Ice warning after still 'real and raw' tragedy

FIRE chiefs have issued a Coventry-wide plea about the dangers of playing on ice as wintry weather continues to grip our area.

- By CLAIRE HARRISON

It comes following the still ‘real and raw’ tragic loss of four young lives at Babbs Mill Park Lake in Solihull back in 2023.

West Midlands Fire Service has urged locals to keep a safe distance from icy lakes, ponds, rivers, canals and reservoirs. It says it is ‘particularly concerned about the risks to children’ who may be tempted to play near or on frozen water, and dog walkers who may instinctively venture on to ice or into the water if a pet gets into difficulty.

Emily Fernandez, the fire service's head of prevention, said: “The loss of four young boys at the frozen Babbs Mill Lake three years ago is still a very real and raw memory for our communities. Our thoughts remain with their families and friends.