People lay flowers at Babbs Mill Lake in Kingshurst Solihull as three boys die - full police statement

Members of the public have been laying flowers at Babbs Mill Lake in Kingshurst, Solihull, after three boys die and a fourth is fighting for his life after falling into the icy waters yesterday (Sunday, December 11).

Emergency services, including specialist fire fighters, have continued to search the lake throughout last night and this morning amid fears that two more children could still be in the water.

Several people were spotted near the scene this morning with flowers as the community rallies around to support each other. The three boys who died were aged eight, ten and 11. The boy who remains in hospital is aged six. They have not been named at this stage.

West Midlands Police announced the deaths earlier this morning (Monday, December 12). A force spokesman said: “Three boys have tragically died after falling into the lake at Babbs Mill Park in Solihull yesterday afternoon (11 December). The boys, aged 11, 10 and 8 were rushed to hospital after being pulled from the water.

“Sadly, they could not be revived and our thoughts are with their family and friends at this deeply devastating time. We’ll have specialist officers offering them as much support as we can. A fourth boy, aged 6, remains in a critical condition in hospital.

“We’ve been working alongside colleagues from the fire and ambulance services as we do all we can to support those involved. Searches of the lake are continuing as we seek to establish exactly what happened and if anyone else fell into the water.

“We understand how distressing this is for the families and the wider community. We would ask people to not speculate or share any video footage at this stage. You can contact us with information, video or images via: West Midlands Police incidents portal.”

St Anthony’s Primary School, near the lake, has closed today. A spokesperson for the school said: “School will be closed for pupils due to the incident at Babbs Mill. Please keep all those affected in your prayers at this difficult time.”

Councillor Ian Courts, Leader of Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, said: “I and all members and officers of Solihull Council are stunned by the dreadful situation at Babbs Mill and our thoughts are with the families and friends of all those affected.

“I know the people of Kingshurst are a close knit community and I am sure they will be supporting each other during this difficult time. We will be providing help and resources today and in the weeks ahead to try and assist where we can.

“We would like to thank the emergency services for their incredible bravery and resilience during the operation yesterday and the ongoing work today.”

Local MP Saqib Bhatti, Con Meriden, is among those who have reached out to the community. He said: “We all feel the pain of this tragedy and will do for some months and years to come.

“My understanding is that they were searching [for others], given the way it happened they needed to see if there was anyone else there.

“I heard the tragic news last night. It is hard to put into words. I know how close-knit the community is. I have a young child and I hugged them a little close last night. My heart goes out to the community. I feel very emotional.”

West Midlands Mayor Andy Street said: “Deeply concerning incident in Solihull. “My thoughts are with all the families affected and our incredibly brave emergency service workers who have responded to such a distressing scene. I know we’ll all be praying for the children to pull through.”