Ponds and lakes ice warning made

Llynnau Mymbyr near Capel Curig, Conwy, is just one lake that has completely frozen over during the cold snap

Parents across north Wales are being advised to make sure children are aware of the dangers of playing on frozen ponds and lakes during the cold snap.

Police said they have had many calls from concerned members of the public reporting children and adults skating and playing on iced ponds and lakes.

The high number of calls prompted the north Wales force to issue a warning.

Insp Paul McKeown said the dangers of going onto the ice over open water "cannot be stressed strongly enough".

Freezing

Temperatures across much of Wales have been around freezing or lower over the last few days. On New Year's Eve temperatures in the Brecon Beacons plummeted to -8C.

"We've received lots of calls from all over north Wales as people have witnessed children and adults playing on ice, " said the police inspector.

"It cannot be stressed strongly enough the dangers of persons walking or playing on ice over an area of open water.

Insp McKeown added: "We would encourage the assistance of parents to advise their children of the dangers accordingly."