Halton regional police issued a public safety alert after nine needles were found in the woods near two Oakville schools.

The needles were discovered near Munn's Elementary school and White Oaks Secondary school twice, police said. Both schools are in the 6 Line Road and McCraney Street area of Oakville.

The most recent incident was Thursday. Officers found exposed needles that were contaminated with blood.

Police say the needles likely weren’t left there deliberately, just disposed of improperly.

Police are asking parents to speak to their children about the danger of contaminated needles.