A WARNING has been issued by police today after they received numerous call outs to children playing on frozen water.

Russell Claydon

A WARNING has been issued by police today after they received numerous call outs to children playing on frozen water.

The dangers of venturing onto iced over waters have been emphasised after officers have been called to move on a number of people for their own safety.

Amongst the call-outs children were spotted playing on a pond in Walnut Tree Lane, Sudbury on Wednesday and on a frozen stream off Acton Lane in the town on the same afternoon. Children were also said to be playing on a frozen ditch off Essex Avenue, Sudbury, although no-one was there when officers attended.

Youths were spoken to after playing on a pond in Duke Street, Haughley on Wednesday and a member of the public reported children on a partly frozen stream at Tollgate Bridge, Brandon on Thursday.

A police spokeswoman said: “Everyone who is out in the current conditions should always be aware of their surroundings and not put themselves in unnecessary danger. Always tell someone where you are going and at what time you expect to be back.

“We would ask parents to keep an eye on their children where possible. Frozen water is extremely dangerous and unpredictable, no matter how small or shallow, and we would advise people to stay off it completely to avoid falling on the ice or through it. Anyone with any concerns about people near frozen water should call police or the authority responsible for the area.”