A 27-year-old man from Stanley was left feeling “disgusted” after receiving a parcel that was “covered in blood” through the post. Aaron, a former paramedic, had been expecting a collector’s badge when the postman handed him a white envelope dripping with red liquid, 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,” Aaron said. He initially thought the package contained meat that had burst, but a Royal Mail customer service representative told him it was “most likely human blood” as meat is not permitted through the post.
Aaron, who is autistic and suffers from extreme anxiety, said he has become “quite concerned” about contamination risks, including hepatitis and HIV. He has been unsure how to dispose of the parcel as it is considered clinical waste. Although Royal Mail offered to collect it, Aaron noted that this would be against protocol for clinical waste.
“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,” he added. He has spoken to his GP, who advised that as long as he had no cuts on his hand, he should be alright.
A Royal Mail spokesperson said: “We’re investigating the issue and will be in touch directly with the customer.”
