A teenage boy has been dramatically rescued after plunging through the ice on a frozen lake in a Stoke-on-Trent park, prompting urgent safety warnings from emergency services.
Dramatic Afternoon Rescue Operation
The incident occurred at Tunstall Park on Tuesday afternoon, with the alarm raised at around 3.35pm. The 13-year-old had ventured onto the ice covering the lake off Victoria Park Road before falling through. He managed to get himself onto an island in the middle of the water, leaving him stranded in freezing conditions.
Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service scrambled a significant response, sending four fire engines and a specialist water rescue team to the scene. They were joined by colleagues from West Midlands Ambulance Service, which deployed two paramedic officers and an ambulance.
Firefighters used a sled to safely reach the stranded teenager and bring him back to shore. A spokeswoman for the fire service confirmed the details, stating crews worked swiftly to ensure the boy's safety.
Teenager Treated at the Scene
Paramedics assessed the youngster following his ordeal. Fortunately, he did not require hospital treatment and was treated at the scene before being left in the care of his family. A spokeswoman for the ambulance service confirmed the boy had been rescued by fire crews and received immediate medical attention from their staff.
Colin Wright, a crew manager who attended the rescue, emphasised the potential danger of the situation. "Thankfully, the boy was not seriously hurt, but the outcome could have been very different," he said.
Urgent Warning as Arctic Blast Grips the UK
The rescue comes as North Staffordshire, along with large parts of the UK, remains in the grip of a severe Arctic blast. The region has experienced hours of snowfall and sub-zero temperatures, with overnight lows plummeting to as low as -12.5°C in some areas. This has created widespread icy conditions, making lakes, ponds, and rivers particularly hazardous.
Firefighters have issued a stern public warning following the incident. They urge people to never attempt to walk on frozen water, as the ice can be dangerously thin and unpredictable. The public is also advised to keep a safe distance from the edges of frozen waterways, which can be slippery.
A specific warning has also been directed at dog owners. Pets should be kept on a lead near frozen water to prevent them from running onto the ice. If a dog does fall in, the advice is clear: call 999 immediately and never attempt a rescue yourself.
Forecasters warn that the icy conditions are likely to persist, increasing the ongoing risk posed by frozen bodies of water across the country.
