A woman who used a portable gas stove in the stands of the National Sports Centre could have caused injuries, it was warned yesterday.

Craig Tyrell, the operations manager at the NSC, said: “We want everyone to be able to enjoy themselves, but this was potentially a very dangerous thing to do.

“While I am sure this was done with the best intentions, it was very reckless.”

Mr Tyrell was speaking after images of the woman cooking in the stands were spread on social media.

The pictures appeared to show her cooking with a small pot and a pan during an event, thought to be the Primary School Track and Field Finals.

Mr Tyrell said: “All food and beverage preparation or service must be approved by management in advance and must be accompanied by the necessary health certificates.”

The NSC has earlier complained about trucks being driven onto fields, sprinkler systems being moved, irrigation heads being damaged and people walking dogs on the fields and not picking up their waste.

Mr Tyrrell said: “We want to be as accessible and welcoming to everyone. This is a fantastic place for the entire community to enjoy and we want to keep it that way.

“I would urge people to obey the rules and keep safety and the wellbeing of others in the forefront of their minds.”

But several online comments on The Royal Gazette's Facebook page backed the mystery chef.

Norris Wilkinson said: “Leave the woman alone ... she is probably a better cook then any of the vendors.”

And Ingrid Lindo added: “Not all of us can afford overpriced food at these places and overpriced tickets to get the hell in.

“Remember somebody let her in the gate with all her stuff, so if you need to blame somebody, blame them. We gotta do what we gotta do.”

Miki RC wrote on the Bermemes Facebook page: “I am not mad at her at all. There are a lot of people send their kids to school without food. I bet she shared some, too.”

Stacy Hill added: “She said ‘no greasy high-priced food today'.”