People seen playing on frozen pond days after Solihull tragedy where four boys died falling in ice
Groups of adults and children have ignored warnings by playing soccer and skating on frozen lakes just days after four young children lost their lives falling through the ice.
About 10 people were seen on video making their way to Sefton Lake in Liverpool, some throwing a ball at each other as two women danced in circles on the ice.
Meanwhile, on Clapham Common, people gathered around the lake and were seen skating on the ice.
Cars in Kilsyth were engulfed in a thick white layer of snow overnight. This photo was taken at 7:30 am this morning, when it was still snowing.
Council workers were busy on Friday breaking up ice at the edge of a lake in Cardiff in an attempt to minimize the risk of people trying to play on it.
Nick Robinson, 49, who filmed the incident at Sefton Lake, told the Liverpool Echo he was “astonished” the group risked their lives.
‘All I could think of was that there’s no way these people haven’t seen the story about those little kids in Solihull and I was blown away. One woman got on the ice and then, like lemons, the rest of her followed her until there were ten left on the ice,” she said.
A woman jogging past yelled at them to get off the ice, but they didn’t listen. They were on the ice for 15 to 20 minutes and then two guards came and yelled at them to get off the ice.
“Everyone started yelling abuse and one of the women, who was between 20 and 30 years old, yelled ‘who do you think you’re talking to? We’re old enough to make our own decisions.'” They were scolded by the keepers and eventually walked off the ice, but the abuse continued.
Mr. Robinson could do little more than watch in horror as the groups inched closer to the darkest section of the ice, where it is thinnest.
Liverpool City Council criticized the group for “putting their lives at risk”.
A spokesperson told the publication: “The ice may look thick on this lake, but these adults are thick enough to think it’s okay to walk on it.” Given what we all saw tragically unfold in Solihull over the weekend, it is very sad to see people put their lives at risk in this way.
“The fact that they were asked to stop doing it and were dismissive and abusive makes the matter even worse. Signs warning of the hazards have been posted at all of our parks and lakes, and we implore anyone to stay away from a frozen body of water.
At Clapham Common, people gathered around the lake and were seen skating on the ice.
The video sparked outrage within the community and raised concerns about the thickness of the ice.
“It is better to admire the beauty and wonder of these frozen landscapes, rather than fall victim to their death trap.”
Local authorities have issued several warnings to parents and the public about the dangers of frozen water as Britain continues to battle an extreme cold snap.
On Friday, London Fire Brigade: ‘Our 999 Control Officers have received several calls today about children and dogs on frozen ponds and lakes.
‘It may look sturdy enough to stand on, but it often isn’t. If you fall into icy water, the risk of hypothermia is high and can be fatal. Stay off the ice and keep dogs on a leash.
The warnings followed the tragic death of four schoolchildren, aged six, eight, 10 and 11, who fell through the ice onto a frozen lake in Kingshurst, Solihull on Sunday.
Family walk through the snow in Dunfermline, Fife, as much of Scotland is under an Amber Weather Alert
Jack (left) and Thomas (right) tragically died in the tragedy.
At the time of the incident, temperatures were thought to be around 1°C in the area. The children had been playing on the ice when it gave way.
Council workers were busy on Friday breaking up ice at the edge of a lake in Cardiff in a bid to minimize the risk of people trying to play on it.
On Monday, Met Police recovered the body of a man in his 20s from the River Thames near London Bridge at around 9:25 p.m.
Investigators say the man was seen entering the river earlier in the evening and “the circumstances of death are not being treated as suspicious.”
Waterways across the country have begun to freeze over as sub-zero conditions enter a second week.
The River Ely, near Cardiff Bay, also froze over on Friday.
Pictured: The River Ely, Cardiff, near Cardiff Bay, which has frozen over due to sub-zero temperatures
The river is now covered in a thin layer of ice.
The Met Office predicts up to four inches of snow will have fallen in some parts.
But even a break in the blistering cold next week provides little comfort, with forecasters warning of heavy downpours and possible flooding for Monday.
An amber snow warning is in effect for Strathclyde, Central, Tayside and Fife, and West Lothian, and residents of these areas have been urged to remain on high alert.
By Monday, temperatures in Cardiff are expected to reach 15°C, while London could see highs of 14°C and Edinburgh 11°C. Manchester could get to 13C and 12C in Belfast.
But with warmer weather will come rain, replacing snow and ice, but with possible flooding in some parts of Britain.
Three mourners are seen paying their respects with bouquets of flowers on Tuesday December 13 after the Solihull tragedy.
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