Emergency services went to extreme lengths to rescue three children who fell through the ice while playing on a frozen lake in Solihull.
The three boys aged 8, 10, and 11, passed away after the ice where they were playing unexpectedly gave up, leaving another boy, aged 6, in critical condition.
Ambulances reportedly arrived in just seven minutes after receiving calls about the boys falling into the freezing water.
But despite efforts from the police and bystanders, the three boys died.
Supt. Richard Harris from the West Midland Police said that one of the officers tried to punch through the ice to try and save the boys as soon as they arrived on the scene.
“One of my officers was trying to punch through the ice to actually rescue the children themselves,” he told reporters.
“That officer, as a result of that, had some mild hypothermia yesterday.”
Police rushed to Babbs Mill Park on Sunday after reports that up to six boys fell in the lake. Witnesses said the children had been playing when the ice suddenly caved in.
Officers were photographed searching the freezing waters before it was announced that it was “no longer a search and rescue operation.”
Harris continued: “On behalf of West Midlands Police I would like to pass on our deepest sympathies at this time. The tragic circumstances yesterday afternoon, so close to Christmas time, and our sympathies with the families who have lost loved ones in this incident.”
He also said that the force were doing their best to support the grieving families that have been left ‘devastated.’
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