A SHOCKED grandmother has described her horror after her four-year-old grandson discovered a needle covered in blood in the toilet of Braintree’s Greggs.

The woman, from Braintree, went into the bakery in Braintree’s George Yard shopping centre for breakfast with her daughter and grandson.

She said: “My grandson said he needed the toilet and he is four and at that age where he likes to go on his own.

“My daughter stood at the door and said let me know when you are finished.

“He called her and said he had spotted a needle which had blood on it.

“It is quite lucky that he acted more adult than his age, most children might have just picked it up. I dread to think what could have happened to him.”

Staff were alerted to the problem and the needle was removed.

The woman, who said she visited the cafe about once a fortnight, was sent a £10 voucher and an apology from Greggs following the incident on September 5.

But she said she would not be returning any time soon.

She said: “Money is not an issue, I just want reassurances it won’t happen again.

“I know people do that sort of thing but if people take drugs they should do it in their own properties – my grandson could have been severely hurt in some way.”

A Greggs spokesman said: “The health and safety of our customers and employees is a priority for Greggs.

“While we are confident that all relevant health and safety procedures were fully adhered to by our shop team, we appreciate the customer’s concerns and would like to apologise for any distress caused.”