Children seen on ice at Newent Lake

Police are stepping up patrols.

Author: Harry LongPublished 16th Dec 2022

Gloucestershire Police say officers are patrolling around Newent Lake - after reports of children being seen on the ice.

It follows the deaths of four young boys who died after falling into an icy lake in Solihull last weekend.

They're urging parents to speak to their children about the dangers of falling into freezing water.

In a statement, Gloucestershire Police said: "An icy lake, canal, pond or reservoir could look like a fun adventure for children or teenagers, but they may not comprehend the gravity of the situation.

"If you see someone fall into freezing water, national advice is to not attempt a rescue, but to call 999 immediately.

"Stay off the ice and don’t risk falling in yourself, and if you’re able to, throw something that floats to anyone who has fallen in. If you fall into freezing water and you can’t climb out, float or swim on your back and shout for help."

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