Two schoolboys who died in frozen lake tragedy named locally

12.12.2022 - 21:59 / dailyrecord.co.uk

Two of the schoolboys who died in a tragic incident at a Solihull lake after falling through the ice on Sunday have been named locally. Tributes have been paid to three youngsters who died after plunging into the icy lake, two of whom were cousins aged eight and 10 and one was an 11-year-old pal.

One of the boys has been named as 10-year-old Jack Johnson and another was named as 11-year-old Thomas in floral tributes left locally, the Mirror reports.

Hero emergency crews hauled the boys out of the lake in a desperate rescue effort and a fourth child, aged six, remains critically ill in hospital following the accident at Babbs Mill Park.

A neighbour told Mail Online Jack and his friends had been playing on the ice when they fell through. They added: "Jack and the other lads saw that it had been snowing from the flats and wanted to go and play.

"They rushed across to the park and were playing on top of the frozen lake, when the ice cracked.

"It's so tragic. Jack was a lovely lad. I know his dad Kirk. He is devastated. My heart goes out to him."

Floral tributes left to little Thomas read: "To my friend Thomas. Thanks for being there for me when I was sad.

"Thanks for lending me your jacket when I was cold. You were like a brother to me.

"I miss you so much."

Another said: "To Thomas, rest in peace. Love from Earl."

Emergency crews rushed to the scene at 2.30pm Sunday after reports of six children falling into the frozen lake. A press conference was told that one hero police officer had to be treated for hypothermia after desperately trying to rescue the children from the water.

Locals say the children are believed to be of primary school age but police have not confirmed if their gender or if they were siblings.

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