Father of schoolboy who was thrown into frozen pond in Manchester says it was ‘influenced’ by Solihull tragedy

The father of a schoolboy who was thrown into a lake in Manchester has said the incident was "influenced" by the Solihull tragedy that happened just one day before.

An 11-year-old boy fell through a frozen pond after being thrown in by another pupil.

The schoolboy was allegedly pushed into the pond in a Manchester park after he was dared to walk over the ice for £20.

The William Hulme Grammar School student was walking through the park in Whalley Range after school on Monday when the incident happened, just one day after the Solihull lake tragedy where four children lost their lives.

The pupils were skimming stones across a pond when he was dared to walk across.

Speaking to Manchester Evening News, the father of the boy said: “The boy then picked up my son and threw him over the fence surrounding the pond. He tumbled down a steep bank onto the frozen ice.

"As he stood up the ice started creaking and he went through it. The freezing water was up to his belly button. The pupil who did it just stood there laughing with a group of his mates and walked off. My son's friend was screaming for help.

"My son eventually managed to climb out and make his way home. When he came home and told me what had happened we returned to the school and found the boy inside the office talking to a teacher as if nothing had happened.

"I cannot believe that he could show no remorse and leave by son in that situation. The pond is deeper further in and the outcome could have been far worse."

He went on to explain that the Greater Manchester Police told him actions taken by the school would take precedent over a criminal investigation.

"I have since spoken to the Principal at the school, who has told me the boy in question will not be returning to the school, and that they have imposed the highest possible sanction.

"I do believe that this incident was influenced by the tragedy in Solihull. I would urge all parents to tell their children not to go anywhere near frozen lakes. I am pleased the school has taken action. My son has gone back to school but he was shaken up by what happened."

A spokesperson at William Hulme Grammar School said: "We are aware of an incident which took place outside of school involving two of our students. Whilst we would never comment on individuals, this has been taken very seriously and dealt with appropriately in line with school policies."