This is the nail a 10 year old girl stepped on yesterday at a Somerset beach - prompting a safety warning

There's a warning to parents after an ambulance was called for a 10 year old Somerset girl after she impaled herself on a nail - which was sticking out from a piece of washed-up wood.

The nail which the little girl impaled herself on
Author: Andrew KayPublished 16th Feb 2021

It happened yesterday afternoon on the beach at Burnham-on-Sea and afterwards coastguards warned: "Take care when walking over any items on the beach or in the sand dunes - they might hide hidden dangers such as a rusty nail like this one."

The spokesperson added: "While exploring she stepped on a piece of driftwood and promptly impaled her foot on a nail that pierced through her shoe and embedded itself in her foot leaving her in obvious pain, distress and attached to a piece of wood.

"Her mum comforted her and a passerby dialled 999 and asked for an Ambulance and due to the location, our team were tasked to help get the young lady off the beach.

"When we arrived on scene the distressed young lady was a bit calmer but still in pain.

"As we were assessing the injury the Ambulance teams arrived and we happily stepped aside so they could work their magic.

"In no time at all the nail was removed and she was transferred to the ambulance after a quick inspection by the on-scene paramedic.

"We get a lot of debris wash up after each tide and this shows that it only takes one unlucky step to find yourself in difficulty.

"The wound wasn't too bad and she will be back enjoying the beach in no time,

"Take care when walking over any items on the beach or in the sand dunes, they might hide hidden dangers such as a rusty nail like this one.

"Thank you to those who called in and it was good to see the beach was busy with lots of social distancing going on.

"Keep looking out for each other and if anyone is in need of help at the beach or anywhere along the coast, dial 999 and ask for the coastguard."