Thousands raised for families of Solihull lake tragedy

An online fundraising page has already raised over £13,000.

Author: Kellie MaddoxPublished 15th Dec 2022
Last updated 15th Dec 2022

An online fundraising page set up to help support the families of the Babbs Mill lake tragedy has raised over £13,000 just hours after being started.

Over 700 donations have been made to the page called "Babbs Mill Princes".

It was launched last night, as police confirmed the death of a fourth boy, who was just six.

The youngster had been fighting for his life in hospital since the incident at Babbs Mill Lake on Sunday.

The three other boys, aged eight, ten and 11, were confirmed dead on Monday, December 12.

West Midlands Police said: "Our deepest sympathies are with the families and friends of those involved in this tragedy.

"We cannot comprehend the enormity of the pain they must feel and our hearts go out to them.

"Specialist officers remain in contact with the family and we will issue further information as soon as we can.

"The searches have been completed and the scene of the incident at the lake will be lifted this evening."

Overnight, dozens more floral tributes, teddies and balloons have been left at a makeshift memorial close to the lake.

This morning, members of West Midlands Ambulance Service laid several floral tributes.

James Williams, head of emergency planning and WMAS said: "The opportunity for our staff to be able to come to the site this morning and pay their respects is something we all felt was appropriate to do.

"I think tough is the word of the day - for everybody that lives locally, for those family and friends, for anyone that comes to visit, to see the huge support that there is in this community.

"We're really keen that our staff attend to help them manage these situations - it's sort of post-stress from these incidents and that's why we're here today to support them, so our staff can continue to go out and respond to patients in the community and do the job that is expected of them."

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