Needle attack on toddler

Police are hunting a youth who repeatedly stabbed an 18-month-old girl in the hand with a hypodermic needle when her mother refused to hand over her wedding ring.

The attack happened in Hartsholme Country Park, Lincoln, when the 36-year-old woman was approached by a man who demanded money.

The man was described as white, 16-17 years old, clean shaven, 5ft 10in, dressed in black and with a silver hoop ring in his left ear.

He demanded the woman hand over her jewellery and, when she refused, he stabbed her daughter three times with a needle.

I cannot rule out the possibility that this person may offend again

Det Sgt Steve Bell
Lincolnshire Police

The girl, who has not been named, was taken to Lincoln County Hospital, to undergo tests.

But police said it could be some time before any long term effects of the attack were known.

The police are appealing to drug users in the area to help expose the attacker.

The officer leading the investigation, Detective Sergeant Steve Bell, said it was a despicable act.

He said: "This seems to have been the act of a youth high on drugs or desperate for money to buy drugs.

"I appeal to anyone with any information to come forward. I cannot rule out the possibility that this person may offend again.

"Someone out there knows who is responsible for this offence," Det Sgt Bell said.