Fire chiefs are pleading with the public to stay away from frozen ponds and lakes after receiving several calls in the same week that four children died in an accident.

The London Fire Brigade said it had taken “several 999 calls over the last few days” alerting them to children and dogs walking on frozen ponds and lakes.

In a post on Twitter, it warned: “It may look sturdy enough to stand on, but it often isn’t. If you fall into icy water, the risk of hypothermia is high and can prove fatal.

It added: “Sadly more examples of people walking on frozen ponds in #London. In the strongest way possible please do not do this!”

The appeal follows the deaths of four boys aged between six and 11 who fell into a frozen lake at Babbs Mill Park in Solihull, West Midlands.

A family member of one of the boys, Jack Johnson, 10, has urged families to explain the risks to children.

The relative, who asked not to be named, told Sky News: “We would hate for another family to go through this, please talk to your kids and explain to them not to take risks on open water.”

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Avon and Somerset Police also issued a safety warning on Saturday evening after taking “multiple calls” about children playing on a frozen pond, while Lincolnshire Police urged parents to make sure their children are aware of the dangers.

London Fire Brigade warned walking on frozen ponds or lakes is “extremely dangerous”.

“Never assume that the ice is thick enough to support you,” it said.

“It may look sturdy enough to stand on, but it often isn’t and can be of variable thickness especially as you move away from the edge.”

Fire chiefs urged parents to supervise children and keep dogs on leads.

London Fire Brigade said firefighters are trained and have specialist equipment to rescue those who do get stuck on, or in, an icy lake.

“So if you see a person or an animal in difficulty don’t put yourself at risk by going in after them.”

Instead the public should call 999, keep an eye on those in trouble and stay off the ice, it said.

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