Watch: West Midlands Police warn of lethal dangers of open water following Babbs Mill Lake tragedy in Solihull

West Midlands Police have warned of the lethal dangers posed by open waters following the deaths of three young boys who fell through ice at Babbs Mill Lake in Solihull.

The youngsters who died were aged eight, 10 and 11. A fourth boy, aged six, is fighting for his life in hospital. Emergency services rushed to the scene as social media posts showed the youngsters getting into trouble on the lake on Fordbridge Road in Kingshurst yesterday afternoon around 2.36pm.

Community members have laid flowers at the scene and St Anthony’s Primary School was shut. Speaking at the latest press conference this afternoon Superintendent Richard Harris said: “We are deeply saddened by the death of the three boys who were rescued by our fire fighters yesterday, here at Babbs Mill Lake in Solihull.

“The boys deaths are a tragedy beyond words and our thoughts and our heartfelt sympathies, along with West Midlands Fire Service are with their families, friends and the wider community at this distressing time.

“Yesterday’s incident is a stark reminder to us all of the dangers of open water, especially during the winter months. Frozen lakes, ponds, canals and reservoirs can look picturesque, but they can be lethal  - and there are no greater warnings of this than yesterday’s tragic event.

“We would ask parents and carers to remind their children of the dangers and advise why they must keep off it. Please help us to avoid this from happening again.

“We will continue to work closely with our emergency service colleagues to provide any support we can at the scene. Again, we extend our heartfelt sympathies to everyone who has been affected by this.”