Youths told to stay off icy lakes

Police said no-one would last long in icy water if they fell in

Children are being warned not to risk their lives during the cold snap after youths were seen on two frozen lakes in Berkshire in separate incidents.

Police were called to Maiden Erleigh Lake, Lower Earley, and the Discovery Centre lake, Thatcham, on Tuesday.

No-one was injured but police said the ice could have broken without warning.

Ch Supt Richard Bennett said: "If someone goes through the ice they are going to find it very difficult to climb out."

He added: "We understand that it can be tempting for youngsters to try and play on the frozen waters.

"But although the ice may look solid, it can break without warning, particularly as the weather is expected to get warmer going into the weekend.

"Please don't take the risk of playing on the ice - it is a serious accident waiting to happen."

"No-one would last long in the icy water."