A YOUNGSTER has been left with a huge gash in his leg after being injured by broken glass left hidden in grass on a football pitch in Westbury.

Eight-year-old Joseph Coulson was having a kickabout with friends on Tuesday at the Redland playing field but was rushed to Trowbridge Hospital after falling on the smashed glass. 

His leg has now been stitched up but for the next 10 days he has to use crutches.

Joseph's dad Greg Coulson, who is also vice-chairman of Westbury Youth Football Club, has called off all training and matches on the pitch until it is safe.

And worried residents are rallying around to help clear the pitch tomorrow (Saturday) at 10am so no one else gets hurt.

Mr Coulson said: “Once he was in hospital he was surprisingly brave, he was really well and the gas and air lifted his spirits.

“The pitch is there for the kids to play on and there are 350 kids in Westbury Youth Club, and they can't play or train because some mindless person is leaving glass.

"It’s a shame and sad for the kids who like playing football.”

A picture of Joseph’s leg was posted on Spotted Westbury’s Facebook page and angry locals have criticised whoever left the glass there.

Lisa Jennings said: ”If anyone knows who has been doing this they should contact the police. If a clear up is organised, we'll be down to help. Westbury Youth is one of the great community groups in the area. Hope the young lad is ok.”

Pete Hussey said: “Poor lad, speedy recovery, hope he's up and playing soon. Broken glass on a footballing area, Can't believe some people! Crazy, why!”

And Terry O'connor added: “It happened to my son last night aswell doing gk [goal keeping] training! We had to stop and collect up as much glass as we could find all the glass was green which made it harder to spot.”