Police have launched an investigation into possible drug use on the site according to the Carslisle News and Star.

The builder was stabbed while struggling to pull a towel from a dispenser. When he stuck his hand in it was pricked by the needle on a discarded syringe.

The man was sent to the West Cumberland Hospital, Whitehaven, as a precaution, but was not seriously injured and is now back at work.

It is thought the man was working on the EP3 development. Sellafield bosses have stressed he was not in an “operational area” at the time.

Bosses launched an immediate search of lockers after the incident and it is believed some workers were asked to provide urine tests.

The Civil Nuclear Constabulary and Sellafield Ltd launched an investigation into the incident, which has now been passed to Cumbria Police.

A Sellafield spokesman said: “A contractor working on the Sellafield site has attended West Cumberland Hospital as a precautionary measure as a result of a hand injury.

“Following treatment he returned to work. He has subsequently been allowed to return home.”