Babbs Mill Lake in Solihull: Fourth boy, aged six, dies - everything we know as searches end

West Midlands Police has announced that the fourth boy who fell into icy waters at Babbs Mill Lake in Kingshurst, Solihull, has died.

The announcement was made at around 6pm today (Wednesday, December 14). His deaths follow that of his friends aged aged eight, 10 and 11.

West Midlands Police released a statement, saying: “It is with heartfelt sadness that we have to report this afternoon, the six-year-old in hospital has lost his fight for life.

“Our deepest sympathies are with the families and friends of those involved in this tragedy. We cannot comprehend the enormity of the pain they must feel and our hearts go out to them.

“Specialist officers remain in contact with the family and we will issue further information as soon as we can. The searches have been completed and the scene of the incident at the lake will be lifted this evening.”

The three other boys were announced dead on Monday in this tragic incident which has been reported across the world. Emergency services were alerted to the tragic incident at 2.36pm on Sunday when social media posts and video showed children on the ice. People were heard screaming about the dangers.

Babbs Mill Lake tragedy timeline

West Midlands Police announced that a joint search operation was underway on Twitter around 5pm saying it was a ‘serious incident’ and that they were working with West Midlands Ambulance Service and West Midlands Fire Service.

West Midlands Fire Service released a statement saying they had sent specialist water rescue teams to the scene at 6pm. A spokesperson said: “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.”

West Midlands Ambulance announced that they had treated four children at Babbs Mill Lake also at 6pm. They also said they had stood down their operation. They said that the children had suffered cardiac arrest and were in a critical condition Two were sent to Heartlands Hospital while another two were sent to Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

A press conferencewas held at Chelmsley Wood Police station around 8pm in which officers said they were continuing to work through the night. They said the operation was now a search operation, as any other victims would not be able to survive the freezing temperatures.

St Anthony’s Primary School next to Babbs Mill Park announced that it would be closed today later last night. The school said: “School will be closed for pupils tomorrow due to the incident at Babbs Mill. Please keep all those affected in your prayers at this difficult time.”

Members of the community were seen laying flowers at the scene on Monday morning. A blue tent was also at the scene.

At noon on Monday West Midlands Police released a statement to say that three boys had died and that a fourth was fighting for his life. They said searchers were continuing for other potential casualties and to understand exactly what happened.

In the latest press conference Superintendent Richard Harris extended his sympathies to the friends, family and wider community on behalf of the force and wider community - and warned of the lethal dangers of open water.

He also provided an update on the condition of the six-year-old. Mr Harris said: “The other boy at the moment is still very poorly and we will keep you advised on his condition as it becomes clear to ourselves.

“The families, as you can imagine, are absolutely devastated. Also, at this time of year, it is on the run up to Christmas and so close to the event itself, also adds to that tragedy. We are doing our very best to support the families. I am sure you will understand that we are led by the families’ wishes as to how much information we can give out at the moment.”

A candlelit vigil was held next to Babbs Mill Lake and tributes continued to pour in throughout the day - including from fire fighters who were applauded when they arrived.

St Anthony’s Primary school announced that it would be open on Tuesday and would be supporting the community. A spokesperson for the school said on Twitter: “Never has our motto being more meaningful, ‘actions speak louder than words’ . We will support our children and families the best we can.”

On Tuesday morning West Midlands Police announced that searches of the lake were continuing and that the six year-old boy remains in a critical condition in hospital. Officers stressed that no other children have been reported missing - but that they wanted to be 100% certain.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Leader of the Opposition Keir Starmer pay tribute to the boys in Parliament, along with other high profile figures - including former Blues footballer Jude Bellingham and Kingshurst rapper Lady Leshurr.

Tributes continue to pour in for the Babbs Mill Boys including from Aston Villa players John McGinn and Tyrone Mings visit the scene. A second vigil is planned in their memory on Saturday at 4pm.

West Midlands Police announced that the fourth boy, aged six, had died in hospital at 6pm on Wednesday, December 14.

Police have requested that anyone with footage of the incident to share it with them by posting it on their West Midlands Police incidents portal.