Solihull: Police officer 'attempted to PUNCH through ice' in desperate attempt to save children from lake

An emotional police officer has revealed the extent of the efforts to save children who had fallen into a freezing lake in Solihull.

West Midlands Police confirmed three boys aged 11, 10 and eight have died after being pulled from the icy lake on Sunday, with another boy, aged six, in a critical condition.

It has now been revealed that one officer attempted to “punch through the ice” in a desperate attempt to save the children.

West Midlands Police Superintendent Richard Harris told a news conference earlier: “Police officers did go into the water and were joined by other members of the emergency services.

“Some of the officers went in waist-deep. One of my officers was trying to punch through the ice to actually rescue the children themselves.

“That officer, as a result, had some mild hyperthermia yesterday. I’m pleased to say he has now been released from hospital and is absolutely fine.”

The police had earlier said in a statement: “Three boys have tragically died after falling into the lake at Babbs Mill Park in Solihull yesterday afternoon. The boys, aged 11, 10 and eight, were rushed to hospital after being pulled from the water.

“Sadly, they could not be revived and our thoughts are with their family and friends at this deeply devastating time.

“We’ll have specialist officers offering them as much support as we can. A fourth boy, aged six, remains in a critical condition in hospital.”