Warning after children seen playing on frozen lake

A safety warning has been issued to families after children were spotted playing on a frozen lake in York.

Friends of Rowntree Park, a volunteer charity, said young people had been seen on the body of water in the park over the weekend during the cold weather.

"The ice may appear solid, but there are weak patches and it can give way without warning," a spokesperson for the charity advised.

"While some areas of the lake are only around two to three feet deep, falling through ice is still dangerous, especially in cold water."

Parents should speak to their children about the dangers, the charity added, as it made "a real difference".

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said it had received reports of young people playing on ice at multiple locations.

"Falling into icy water can cause hypothermia very quickly, making it hard to get out," a spokesperson said.

"If a dog or animal falls through, do not go after them – if the ice didn't hold them, it won't hold you."

The fire service added that adults should set a good example by staying off the ice themselves.

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