Babbs Mill Lake in Solihull: Prime Minister Rishi Sunak pays tribute to boys with Jude Bellingham & more

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has sent a message to the heartbroken families of the three young boys who died after falling into the icy waters at Babbs Mill Lake in Kingshurst, Solihull, on Sunday (11 December).

The boys aged eight, 10 and 11 were three of four children fighting for their lives in hospital before they passed away following the tragic incident.

A fourth boy, aged six, remains in a critical condition in hospital. Meanwhile, rescue teams are continuing to search the freezing waters however police have stressed they have had “no contact from anybody” to suggest there were any other people missing - there had been earlier reports that up to six children entered the water on Sunday.

The four children are understood to have been playing football near the ice and went to rescue their ball when it cracked and gave way beneath them, causing them to plunge into the water. Two of the youngsters were taken to Birmingham’s Heartlands Hospital and two to Birmingham Children’s Hospital in a critical condition.

One of the youngsters has been named locally as 10-year-old Jack Johnson, who was described to Sky News as a “hero” after he jumped into the lake to try and save other children. The local community around the nature reserve is in mourning following the tragedy, and flowers have been laid at the scene as the community rallies around to support each other.

Fire fighters received a round of applause as they lay their tributes yesterday and hundreds attended a vigil for the young boys in the local community last night

PM, Keir Starmer, Bellingham and more pay tribute

Following the tragedy, numerous public figures have paid their respects.

During his speech in the House of Commons on Tuesday (13 December) Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, said: “Mr Speaker, before I start, I know the whole House will join me in expressing our sympathies to the families of those who lost their children so tragically in Solihull.”

Before he spoke in the Commons, Labour Leader Keir Starmer also paid his respects. He said: “Can I join with him about the comments of the tragic loss of life in Solihull which is unimaginably unbearable for the families, friends and the whole of the community.”

England midfielder, the former Birmingham City player who grew up in nearby Stourbridge, paid tribute in a post on his Instagram story. He wrote: “Sending love and support to the families, RIP.”

Message from West Midlands Mayor

West Midlands Mayor Andy Street also paid tribute to boys and well wishes to the families in a post on social media, which can be seen below.

Other high profile tributes

Posting on Twitter, Birmingham rapper Jaykae, wrote: “So sad what happened yesterday in Solihull. Rest in peace to the little boys who lost their life and I pray the other makes it through I send my love to all families involved. Heartbreaking.”

Birmingham City manager John Eustace attended the scene on Tuesday to lay his tribute. Aston Villa has also paid their respects with footballers Tyron Mings and John McGinn also visiting today (Wednesday, December 14).

After West Brom’s 2-1 win over Sunderland on Monday (12 December) the club’s midfielder Jed Wallace, who lives in Solihull, dedicated the victory to the club’s doctor Julian Widdowson who died recently, as well as the young boys who died at Babbs Mill Lake.

During the post match interview on Sky Sports, Wallace fought back tears, and said: “It’s been a tough couple of days. We lost our beloved club doctor which was hard. Sorry. We wanted to get a win for him today.

“I live in Solihull as well so it’s been tough to see what’s been happening there so I think for anyone at West Brom, the fans, club and the staff we want to send out best to everyones family involved in both incidents.”

Rapper Lady Leshurr, who grew up in Kingshurst, also paid tribute in a post on her Instagram page. She wrote: “Devastating and very heartbreaking to hear that some children have passed away in the area I grew up in from falling into an icy lake.

“My love and prayers go to the families of these kids and if there’s anything I can do to help please don’t hesitate to reach out. If anyone knows the families please message me so I can give them my love personally.”

MP and councillor tributes

Solihull MP Julian Knight wrote in a post on his social media pages: “My thoughts and prayers today are with the children and families involved in this tragic event within the Meriden constituency. I want to place on record my thanks to the Emergency Services for their efforts over the last 24 hours.”

Solihull councillor Shahin Ashraf, wrote on Twitter: “To the emergency services in Solihull, your courage, dedication, and selflessness mean so much. Thank you! The community organised a silent vigil for the boys 8,10,11, at Babbs Mill Lake, Our thoughts and prayers go out to family and friends.”

Saqib Bhatti, Conservative MP for Meriden said he has spoken to Prime Minister about this tragic incident, saying he has offered his condolences. He also said: “We’re both parents and we were reflecting on the fact that these were very young children.”