POLICE have issued a warning following "numerous reports" of people skating or walking over a frozen pond.

Officers are reminding members of the public of the risks of icy lakes after people were spotted on the surface of Hatchet Pond in the New Forest.

The warning comes after four boys, aged between six and 11, died after falling through an icy lake in Solihull on Sunday.

A police spokesperson said: "Whilst the ice may seem solid, there is always a risk of the ice breaking and you falling in. From this comes the risk of drowning, but also with the temperature at this year time of year, hypothermia.

"Please think about the risk to yourselves and your friends, and bare in mind the risk to anybody who tries to help somebody in freezing waters.

"Sometimes ice can be thick enough to be walked on, however unless you are experienced in gauging this, it poses a very real and serious risk. Not only this, but those inexperienced with ice safety may emulate others when the ice may be thinner, which could lead to tragedy.

"The Forestry Commission have deemed swimming in the lake and walking/playing on the ice to not be safe.

"We understand the temptation but as the incident in Solihull shows, it is not worth the potential risk to life."

Earlier this week, a school in Hedge End issued a similar warning after pupils were seen walking on a nearby pond.

Wildern School said the boys were believed to be in Year 7 or 8.

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