Solihull tragedy: Vigil held for children who died on icy lake

Solihull tragedy: Vigil held for 3 children who died on icy lake

A vigil was held for the three boys who died after falling into an icy lake in Babbs Mill Park, Solihull on Sunday. 

The three boys aged eight, 10 and 11 were pulled from the lake but died in hospital later. 

A fourth boy, aged six, remains in critical condition in hospital. 

For the three boys who died, flowers, balloons and soft toys were left by mourners who had gathered to pay tribute to the children. 

Police have confirmed searches would continue throughout Tuesday, but have stressed there is no suggestion that anyone else is missing. 

The boys had been seen playing on the ice, and reports suggest several passersby had yelled at the boys to get off the ice as it was unsafe. It is believed the ice cracked under one of the boys and the others attempted to rescue him – leading to all of them plunging into the icy lake. 

Members of the public, soon joined by police, initially went into the water to try to get the children but the victims were reached by specialist water rescue-trained firefighters. 

Police are being guided by the families about how much information was made available to the media, and the families are being supported by specialist teams. 

‘utter state of shock’

Solihull councillor Ian Courts said: “We are completely stunned at what’s happened.

“Clearly our thoughts and prayers have to be with the families in this situation. I can hardly imagine what the families are going through.”

Marcus Brain, chair of governors, said: “It’s a very, very close-knit community, we’ve got families that have been here for five generations, everybody knows everybody else.

“Everybody I’ve spoken to… are in an utter state of shock.”

Mother-of-four Comfort Konfor said she had not been able to sleep and had just kept praying.

“The image keeps coming to mind of children,” she said.

Pastor Emil Kerekes, from Connection Church Kingshurst, said he wanted the families to know they were here to support them.

“All the other church leaders and group leaders in the local community, we want to get together and maybe come up with a plan to somehow help them,” he said.

Police are urging witnesses to come forward and speak to them. 

Supt Harris said the families affected by the tragedy were “absolutely devastated”.

He added: “Also this time of year, it’s on the run-up to Christmas, so close to the event itself, also adds to that tragedy.”