Thanks. So probably before the fire was installed there was something there. They then took it away to install the fire and bent the nails up. I was there when the fire came out and the nails were already bent back.
Please can I ask if anyone knows what these 4qty metal rods are behind an old gas fire place. There was a brick surround and when removed found the thick metal rods bent. I'm not sure what they are holding and if it's safe to cut them flush off.