People have been warned not to go on to frozen ponds in Glasgow after three boys died in an accident in the Midlands in England.

Three boys, aged 8, 10 and 11 died after falling under the water in a lake near Solihull and a fourth, aged 6 is in hospital.

A police officer tried to punch through the ice in an attempt to rescue the boys.

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In recent years people have gone on to the ice in parks in the city when the water has frozen over.

Some have used ice skates and others even played ice hockey.

As temperatures plummet to below freezing in Glasgow this week the council has issued safety advice telling people they should stay off the ice in ponds in city parks.

A spokesman for the council said: “We are very concerned about people going on to frozen water in parks across the city.

“No matter how solid ice might look, no-one can be sure of the stability of any ice and so it is impossible to guarantee that any ice can be used safely.

“As tempting as it might be to do otherwise,  people should not skate, attempt to cross, walk or play on ponds, or any other frozen water.

“Even though very cold weather is forecast, people are urged to stay safe and stay off the ice."

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Canals and rivers can be frozen over too when the temperature is sub-zero.

Water Safety Scotland has issued its advice about frozen over water.

WSS said it aims to prevent needless deaths and accidents, and also to alert the public that the majority of ice-related incidents involve children or dog walkers.

Jen Foley, from Water Safety Scotland, said: “We encourage people to get out and about to enjoy frosty walks in the crisp cold air, but ice-related drownings are entirely and easily preventable.

“Frozen water can look tempting, but there is just no way of knowing whether it will hold your weight or how deep the water is beneath.

“We are urging people to keep themselves and their children off of frozen water, as well as keeping their dogs on leads. If dog-walkers don’t wish to keep their dogs on leads, then we advise keeping ball- or stick throwing to areas away from frozen water.

“Tragically, many past incidents have involved attempted rescues of another person or dog in trouble on or in frozen water.”

They issued advice on what to do if someone falls through ice.

First, call the emergency services by dialing 999 and give accurate location details with any landmarks of signs to allow them to get their as quickly as possible.

Do not attempt to go out on to the ice yourself. Tell the person to stay still to maintain heat and energy.

They advise, if possible, try finding something which will extend your reach, such as a rope, pole or branch, then throw the object out and, once ensuring you are stable on the bank, either by lying down or having someone hold on to you, pull them in.

Do not go on to the ice yourself.