'We were covered in blood': Cork girl, 6, slices leg open after BBQ left on beach

"My jeans and coat were covered in blood, my husband's jeans and coat were covered in blood," said Cork mother whose daughter was injured on trip to the beach.

Six-year-old Hannah stepped on a wire metal sheet that had been used by someone for a barbecue. File photo.

A Cork mother has pleaded with people to bring their rubbish with them when they leave the beach after her daughter sliced her leg open on a disposable barbecue someone left behind.

With sunny weather expected over the bank holiday and people flocking to the coasts, Cork woman, April, wanted to share her family's terrifying experience and remind beach users not to discard dangerous items which can cause injury.

The accident happened on the popular White Bay beach in East Cork where April went with her husband, two daughters, niece and their dog for a family day out.

They had just arrived when six-year-old Hannah stepped on a wire metal sheet that had been used by someone for a barbecue.

When she stepped on it, the metal sheet sprung up and sliced open the back of the six-year-old's leg.

April said when she saw the size of the gash on her daughter's leg she almost got sick.

They headed straight to South Doc who then directed them immediately to Cork University Hospital's A&E.

"At this stage, my jeans and coat were covered in blood, my husband's jeans and coat were covered in blood," said April.

"My niece and my daughters were in the back, crying and terrified. It was just a terrifying experience."

The incident happened on White Bay, in East Cork.

Doctors were initially worried about the blood supply to Hannah's foot but after receiving 12 stitches, April said the young girl is recovering well.

Medics said that Hannah was lucky that there was no muscle or tissue damage to her leg.

Speaking to 96FM's Opinion Line, April said she was sharing their terrifying ordeal to highlight the importance of being responsible and taking home all of your belongings and rubbish when you are leaving the beach.

"We shouldn't have to be checking to see what is there because it shouldn't be there in the first place," said April.

Coillte are warning people this weekend not to barbecue or light campfires when visiting scenic areas.

A status yellow fire warning is in place until September and with warmer weather on the way, the public are being asked to act responsibly.