Hampshire fire service plea for caution after children in Havant and Emsworth spotted on frozen water following Solihull deaths

A group of children were seen playing on the frozen lake in the business park in Whiteley Way on Thursday.

It follows three youngsters playing on the ice of the Emsworth Mill Pond on Monday afternoon.

Increased concerns about the dangers of frozen water come after tragedy struck the town of Solihull last Sunday, when four boys - aged six, eight, 10 and 11 - died after falling into an icy lake at Babbs Mill Park.

Posting on social media, a resident who reported the children on the ice in Whiteley said: ‘As devastating as it is, the Solihull tragedy needs to be discussed with all children, especially those who venture out without parents.’

Now Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service has issued a plea for all residents to be cautious around bodies of water that have frozen over.

A representative from the fire service said: ‘With the cold weather set to continue, we ask that you are careful around open water and never go onto frozen lakes, ponds, canals or reservoirs.

‘In an emergency always dial 999.’

Temperatures reached minus seven degrees in part of the county last week – while next week is not forecast for freezing conditions.

According to RNLI advice, anyone who falls into cold water should remain calm, wait for cold water shock to pass and float on their back.