4 children in critical condition after falling into ice-covered lake in UK | Daily News Byte

Four children are in critical condition after falling through the ice in a lake near Birmingham in the UK.

West Midlands Fire Service said it and other emergency services responded to a “water rescue incident” at Babbs Mill Park in Solihull at 2.36pm on Sunday (local time, Monday morning NZT).

The incident came to light after the children were playing on a snow-covered lake.

“All four were taken to hospital at a blue light,” West Midlands Ambulance Service later said.

Two children were taken to Birmingham Children’s Hospital and the other two to Heartland Hospital.

It has not yet been confirmed how many children were involved in the incident, but Sky News says initial reports suggest there were up to six children in the water.

“On behalf of West Midlands Police, I want to say that we understand how distressing this is for the wider community,” Richard Harris told a press conference, according to The Mirror.

“We, and other emergency services, are doing everything we can to support all those involved.”

Officials said there would be an overnight police presence at the lake, “only if there is anyone else involved”.

A number of areas across the UK, including the West Midlands, saw significant amounts of snow and ice, with lakes freezing over in icy temperatures.

The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for snow and ice for North Scotland, South West England and Wales.