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Three boys, 8, 10 and 11, die after falling into frozen lake while trying to save two of their friends

A six-year-old, who was with them, is in critical condition in a hospital while police continue searching for the two other missing children

SOLIHULL, ENGLAND: In a heart-wrenchingly tragic incident, three boys of ages eight, 10, and 11, have died while a six-year-old remains in critical condition after falling into a frozen lake near Solihull in the West Midlands. The four children were rushed to a nearby hospital after being pulled out, in Babbs Mill Park, Kingshurst.

Emergency services were called to reports of six children falling into the icy water around 2.30 pm on Sunday, December 11. As per Daily Mail, the eyewitnesses present at the scene revealed two children – believed to be under 12 – were playing on a thin layer of ice, when it cracked beneath them and pulled them into the icy waters of the lake. This prompted their friends to run into the water to assist them, only to get into trouble themselves.

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At a press conference on Monday morning, December 12, a West Midlands Police spokesperson confirmed the devastating news, reportedly stating, "Three boys have tragically died after falling into the lake at Babbs Mill Park in Solihull yesterday afternoon. The boys, aged 12, 11, and 8 were rushed to hospital after being pulled from the water.” He added, "Sadly, they could not be revived and our thoughts are with their family and friends at this deeply devastating time. We’ll have specialist officers offering them as much support as we can. A fourth boy, aged 6, remains in a critical condition in hospital."

The Fire and Rescue Service personnel confirmed that search operations would continue overnight for the two remaining children who were still trapped in the lake, but added that any ongoing activity would no longer be classed as a rescue operation. "Searches of the lake are continuing as we seek to establish exactly what happened and if anyone else fell into the water," a spokesperson said. Police continued, "We understand how distressing this is for the families and the wider community. We would ask people to not speculate or share any video footage at this stage."

The officials revealed the children were given CPR and essential life support before being taken to the hospital. While two of the children were taken to Birmingham Children's Hospital, the other two were taken to Birmingham Heartlands Hospital. No further updates on their condition were given. Apart from the children, one officer, who jumped in the water to save the boys, was also taken to the hospital with a mild case of hypothermia.

A Kinghurst resident reportedly revealed how she heard the boys scream just a few moments after the tragedy unfolded. “I'm feeling numb. It's just too close to home and absolutely heartbreaking. I heard the sound of children screaming and I knew it was bad. That sound will go with me to my grave,” she told the Sun, adding, “There was pure panic and fear. I just heard such a commotion and then the most emergency services I've ever seen in my life.”

The officials also issued a warning to people to stay away from open water and ice as temperatures continue to plummet across the country. "We know the weather forecast for the next few days is expected to be bitterly cold. Under no circumstances venture onto the ice, regardless of how thick or safe you think this ice to be." Richard Stanton, West Midlands Fire and Rescue Service area commander, said in a press conference.