Judging by the leaf shape and the fact that you say the leaves are prickly then it looks like a type of Verburnum, possibly "Pink Beauty". The Verburnum family of trees and shrubs are known for causing skin irritations and if you touch it and then you wipe your eyes or forehead it can cause an allergic reaction similar to hayfever. The Sap can cause a contact hypersensitivity reaction so if you've been cutting it and you have come into contact with the sap then that could be the cause
My advice, especially if you have got kids running around, is to dig it up by the root ball, replace the surrounding soil and plant something else in its place. Otherwise just steer clear of it and wear gloves and long sleeves next time.