POLICE in Widnes have issued an urgent plea to parents regarding the cold weather.

Cheshire Police says it has received reports of youngsters playing on the frozen lake in Victoria Park.

Officers are urging parents to warn their children of the dangers this poses.

It comes after three young boys died after falling through ice into a lake in Solihull yesterday, Sunday.

The force’s Widnes Police team said: “Warning – this afternoon we have had reports of children playing on the lake at Victoria Park, Widnes.

“Officers are patrolling the area, and we are urging parents to speak to their children about the dangers, particularly following the tragic deaths near Solihull.”

A spokesman for Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service added: “Please do not venture onto frozen ponds, lakes, canals or rivers during the cold weather, no matter how frozen the water may appear.

“If you see a person or animal in difficulty, phone 999, and if safe to do so, use a throw line or branch to reach out.”