Edinburgh bus passengers 'disgusted' after needle found 'rolling about' on top deck floor

Andy O'Brien photographed the needle on the No.33 bus on Tuesday. Pic: Andy O'Brien/Facebook

Bus passengers were left shocked after spotting a needle rolling about on the floor of a vehicle during their journey into Edinburgh city centre.

Andy O'Brien spotted the sharp object on the floor of a No.33 Lothian bus after getting on it with his partner near the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.

The 35-year-old said: "As soon as we sat down we looked down and saw it across from us, under a seat.

"I was disgusted and shocked and then remembered the cameras were there so they should be able to find out where it came from.

"It was there from the hospital for the time it took to get into town - and it was rolling about. I was worried that a kid might end up picking it up, or someone's pet might get it."

Andy and his partner alerted the driver to the needle and they said he seemed equally concerned about it.

The driver said to him he would report it but was unable to remove the needle himself, as he would have to wait for specialists to come on board to do so. It is not known whether the needle came from an illegal drug user or if it belonged to someone for medical reasons.

The railways contractor, who lives in Moredun, said there were a couple of other passengers on the top deck but they were sitting near the front.

Andy also shared a picture of the needle on social media on Tuesday which has drawn more than 200 comments, with many venting their anger and concerns.

A Lothian spokesman said: "We can confirm there was an incident on board one of our vehicles which once our service delivery team were made aware of, was dealt with accordingly in line with our company policy.

"Lothian is committed to ensuring that all of our buses are safe and accessible for all."