Loose metal reinforcing strip exposed in plaster beside window – can I remove it and fill?

[Jtaylor758]

I've got an area of damaged plaster at the bottom of the wall beside a window reveal, where it meets the windowsill.

A narrow metal strip has become exposed beneath the plaster. It runs vertically up the edge of the reveal, and the exposed section flexes in and out when pressed. It doesn't appear to be rusty.

I'm looking to redecorate and would like to repair the damage properly.

Does anyone know what this metal strip is likely to be? Is it safe to remove the loose section, fill the gap and sand it smooth, or does the metal need to be secured or replaced first?

I've attached photos showing a close-up and the wider area.

Thanks all!

 

[Wayners]

Yeah.
Remove and make good corner with fillers.
Those tapes are known to cause trouble like that if not stuck well.
It's this stuff.
Plasterboard Corner Tape 50mm x 30m | Toolstation https://share.google/vm5zRQ2hY5ekvVzGd

 

[cypusiek8]

wayners is right it's most likely plasterboard corner tape. quick way to tell, if it flexes easy and the plaster around it feels like dot and dab or stud wall then yeah it's tape, cut it back a few inches past the damage, re-tape with a bit of fibatape or scrim and skim over.
only reason to be a bit careful is if it's a solid wall and that strip's a bit chunkier/stiffer, you might be looking at an expanded metal angle bead which does actually hold the corner. in that case cut out the loose section, bed a new piece of bead in with bonding or multi finish, then skim.
from the way you described it (flexes when pressed, no rust) it sounds like corner tape so wayners' fix is spot on. just make sure you prime the fresh plaster before you paint or it'll flash through.