Pet owners trapped in icy lakes

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Officials said dog owners across the count were trapped in frozen lakes and ponds on Sunday while out walking their dogs. Prompted by this, fire-fighters issued safety warnings.

"If a dog or another animal falls through the ice, do not go to its rescue. If the ice did not support the animal it will not take your weight."

They said people had thrown sticks for the dogs, which had landed on ice-covered lakes.

Station manager Trevor Sherwin, who is based at Ascot Drive Fire Station, said: "It is a sad fact that in most cases the dog will find its way out of the ice where often the well meaning 'rescuer' may not.

Owners have been warned not to go onto ice to rescue their pets and put their own lives at risk.

During this cold spell a frozen water surface may look enticing as a skating opportunity, but can prove deadly.

Children are often most at risk as they frequently see an attraction to playing on ice, so the dangers of this activity will need to be explained to them.

Although ice may look thick and strong, it may not bear even a light weight and people often under-estimate how quickly very cold water will kill.

Furthermore, cold water incapacitates instantly and the cold temperature quickly paralyses even the strongest of swimmers.

The ice closest to the bank may appear to be thick, but it becomes thinner towards the middle.