Layla Baxter, in danger of losing an eye after being stabbed with a syringe, has had some good news.

Blood tests show the six-year-old Brighton girl has not contracted any

diseases.

It was feared Layla could have developed deadly illnesses such as hepatitis after the syringe was poked into her right eye and its contents squirted inside.

A 12-year-old girl has been questioned by police about the incident in a park near Layla's home in Moulsecoomb in December.

No decision has been taken on whether to prosecute her.

Layla's mother Lisa, 34, said: "It was a great relief getting negative results on her blood, but we are still worried about Layla's eye.

"It is very serious and she could still lose her sight. It is still haemorrhaging at the back and Layla is having drops every day and she is seeing the specialist at the eye hospital every three weeks.

"They have told me the hole made by the syringe will never go away."

Layla, unable to take part in PE or any other physical activities in school, has received get-well messages and gifts.

Lisa said: "I want to say a big thank-you to everyone."

Neighbours complained that hundreds of syringes had been found in the park off Birdham Road, many of them used by drug-takers.

The attack on Layla led to calls for action from the local residents' association

and Kemp Town MP Des Turner.

Brighton and Hove Council workmen scoured the park and even turned over some of the top soil, but no syringes were found.

But the council said regular checks would continue to be made at the park and other open areas where needles have been found.

A needle collection box was placed in the grounds of St Nicholas Church in Dyke Road, another popular area for drug-users.

But a council spokes-woman said: "Discarded needles were still thrown on the ground. It is a difficult and complex problem."

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