St Anthony’s Primary School closes as search continues at Babbs Mill Lake in Solihull

West Midlands Fire Service continues its search operation at Babbs Mill Lake in Kingshurst, Solihull this morning (Monday, December 12)
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A school next to Babbs Mill Lake in Kingshurst, Solihull, has announced that it will be shut today after four children were pulled from icy water yesterday.

The youngsters are fighting for their lives in hospital after being pulled from the lake yesterday and suffering cardiac arrest. Emergency services rushed to the scene after social media posts showed children playing on the ice and falling into the waters. There are fears that there could be up to two other children who also fell into the lake.

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Yesterday (Sunday, December 11) a spokesperson for St Anthony’s Primary School on Fordbridge Road in Kingshurst 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.”

West Midlands Fire Service is expected to give an update on their search this morning. Anyone with footage or information is being asked to send it to police via:West Midlands Police incidents portal

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.

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“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.”

Babbs Mill Lake on the 12th December 2022 where approximately 6 children have fallen through the ice at a Solihull beauty spot yesterday afternoon (11th December 2022)Babbs Mill Lake on the 12th December 2022 where approximately 6 children have fallen through the ice at a Solihull beauty spot yesterday afternoon (11th December 2022)
Babbs Mill Lake on the 12th December 2022 where approximately 6 children have fallen through the ice at a Solihull beauty spot yesterday afternoon (11th December 2022)

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.”

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