WARNING GRAPHIC IMAGE: Aaron was left "quite concerned" and "contaminated" after being handed a parcel that was "covered in blood" by his postman - and he has no idea who it might belong to
A homeowner was left sickened and anxious after receiving a parcel "covered in blood" in the post.
Aaron, 27, from Stanley, had been eagerly awaiting delivery of a collector's badge when his postie handed over a stained white envelope dripping with red liquid, which had been wrapped in two clear bags with an apology notice attached.
"When I opened it it was absolutely covered in blood and there was blood inside the clear bag which leaked out onto me," said Aaron.
"Originally I thought that somebody had posted some meat or something and the packaging had burst. But the guy [from Royal Mail customer services] seemed to dismiss that straightaway and said that it's most likely human blood because they don't allow meat through the post."
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The former paramedic said he didn't notice the damage to the parcel until after it had been delivered as it was handed to him underneath another parcel. And now he has started to become "quite concerned" about contamination risks, including the risk of contracting hepatitis and HIV.
He has also been left unsure of how to dispose of the parcel as it is considered clinical waste. Although Royal Mail did offer to collect the package when Aaron contacted them about the delivery, he added that this would be against protocol as it is clinical waste, reports Chronicle Live.
He said: "By the amount of blood that's on it, it wouldn't have just leaked onto my package, it would have leaked onto other things too. Whoever has put this in the plastic bags has clearly known this is blood because they've double bagged it.
"I think it's disgusting."
Aaron, who revealed he has been diagnosed as autistic and suffers from "extreme anxiety", added: "It's been going round and round in my head. I've been thinking 'whose blood is this and what's in it?'".
"I've spoken to my GP and they said as long as I don't have any cuts on my hand it should be alright."
A spokesperson for Royal Mail stated: "We're investigating the issue and will be in touch directly with the customer."