Teenage girls charged after baby hurt by drawing pins

TWO teenage girls have been charged after a toddler was injured by drawing pins which had been put in a changing mat at a city community centre.

The 18-month-old boy is understood to have suffered around eight puncture wounds to his back after lying on the tacks at the Broomhouse Centre, in Broomhouse Crescent.

Two girls aged 14 and 15 years old have been charged with reckless conduct in connection with the incident and reported to the children’s reporter, it emerged today.

One resident, who did not want to be named, said: “It’s just horrendous that something like that could happen to a small baby.

“I was absolutely shocked to hear about it. My reaction was complete and utter disbelief.

“When you’re at school, you might put a drawing pin on a seat for a joke, but this was far from a joke.

“Everybody in the area was horrified at hearing this had happened – the community is still in a state of shock.”

The centre, which is home to a mothers and toddlers’ group, has a cafe which is popular with nearby residents.

Broomhouse councillor Eric Milligan said: “I’m very distressed to hear this.

“It’s as reprehensible an action that I have heard about in a long time. I do know that particular centre is particularly well run and nothing like this would have happened through any carelessness on their part. I’m just astonished.”

Police confirmed the incident had taken place at the centre on January 12 at 10.45am.

A Lothian and Borders Police spokesman said: “Two girls have been charged with alleged reckless conduct following an incident in Broomhouse Crescent where an 18-month-old male infant suffered minor injuries to his back.

“The youths, who are aged 14 and 15, will be reported to the Children’s Reporter.”