Pond fall boy remains 'critical'

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A police investigation is under way into how the boy came to fall into the pond

A six-year-old boy remains critically ill in hospital after plunging through ice into a freezing pond in Berkshire.

Thomas Hudson is thought to have been underwater for half-an-hour before he was rescued by firefighters after a friend raised the alarm.

He was blue and unresponsive when ambulance crews arrived at Burys Banks Road, Crookham Common, and was airlifted to hospital.

An investigation into how Thomas came to fall into the garden pond has begun.

Thames Valley Police said a woman had jumped into the freezing water to begin searching for him before rescue crews arrived.

With the very thick frost we have been having it's impossible to know whether ice on water is thick or thin Paramedic Hugh Whitaker

Thomas was airlifted to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford where he was operated on on Tuesday night.

A spokesperson for Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals, said: "Tommy's parents would like to thank all those involved in his rescue and treatment so far.

"They would also ask that their privacy be respected at this very difficult time."

It is not known if Thomas was attempting to walk on the ice or accidentally fell on to it.

Paramedic Hugh Whitaker urged others to stay away from water.

"With the very thick frost we have been having it's impossible to know whether ice on water is thick or thin," he said.

"If you go on to it you risk falling through. Parents and children need to be vigilant.

"All icy water is dangerous and should be treated as such."