Babbs Mill Lake in Solihull: West Midlands Fire Service send specialist water rescue teams

West Midlands Fire Service has confirmed that it is conducting a search and rescue operation following reports that people fell through ice at Babbs Mill Lake.

Fire fighters have been working with police and paramedics since 2.36pm today (Sunday, December 11). They have sent specialist water rescue teams. People have been sent to hospital after receiving medical treatment at the scene.

A spokesperson for West Midlands Fire Service said: “At 2.36pm on Sunday 11 December, West Midlands Fire Service, along with West Midlands Ambulance Service and West Midlands Police, were called to Babbs Mill Park in Solihull.

“Reports from the scene and videos on social media indicate that people had been playing on the ice on a pond and had fallen through. Our specialist water rescue teams arrived and acted assertively to take control of the scene and carry out rescues using specialist equipment and entering the water.

“Casualties have received medical support at the scene from both firefighters and ambulance personnel prior to being taken to nearby hospitals.

“The incident is still a search and rescue operation, being led by West Midlands Fire Service. We would ask people to allow emergency services at the scene to go about their work in a safe and effective way. We will release further details when appropriate with our fellow blue-light partners.”