A SHOCKING picture of two people slumped in a doorway, seemingly high on drugs, has sparked a debate among our readers.

We published the picture, sent in to us by a reader, following concerns being raised about people using drugs near to McDonald's restaurant in the city centre.

Some were happy that we were highlighting the issue of addicts openly using drug on the streets of the city.

However, others felt that using a picture of addicts - even though their faces were blurred - was intrusive.

So here is what people argued:

YES

Joe Angel Whitfield said: "Why's everyone disgusted about the Worcester News taking the photos they did?

"They ain't the one doing drugs in a high street, besides they need photos to back it up so you can see they are not lying, the faces have been blurred so what's the problem?

Sarah Sheward said: "Why attack the evening news for highlighting a very important issue?

"Is it due to the fact that you feel a tad guilty that you do not help these people?

"Why do you not spend money and help them with a sandwich or a hot drink.

"I think we may know the answer to that."

Nicola Long said: "I wonder how many people who have slated the paper have opened up their doors to them?"

NO

Jemma Brook said: "When you have nowhere to live, no funds and no support from the council the last thing you want is your picture taken and then shared as a story titled "desperation!"

Yasmin Kadodia said: "They are vulnerable members of society, taking photos of them to sell stories is exploitative and ethically questionable."

Livvy Charnock said: "Totally agree that Worcester is full of drug users.

"There is also a problem with homelessness.

"But I'm pretty sure I and plenty of other people have been blotto drunk and wouldn't expect people to take pictures and put on the front page of the Worcester News."

Karen Daniels said: "What is relevant, is that these tragedies have to be highlighted and reported sensitively with the understanding and compassion they deserve.

"In my experience, images such as this, are not only morally wrong in my opinion, they further serve to reinforce stereotyping and prejudice."

WE SAY

John Wilson, deputy editor of the Worcester News, said: "It is a newspaper’s job to shine a light on important issues, even though they are sometimes extremely sensitive.

"Although police say they are tackling drug crime, people are clearly disturbed by the squalid things they are seeing in Worcester city centre.

"Indeed, it was one of our readers who supplied the photograph we used on our front page last Monday (though we protected the identity of the two people pictured).

"This was clearly a story of great public interest, and we reported it in a responsible and non-judgemental way.

"We hope those drug users who frequent the city centre are now given more help to beat their addiction.

"And that traders, shoppers and children will be free to go about their businesses without encountering such distressing scenes."