Police, firefighters and paramedics rushed to a Dorset beauty spot this morning after a child was reportedly seen on or near an area of ice.

It comes days after the tragedy near Birmingham, in which three boys died after falling through ice on a frozen lake in Solihull. 

Emergency services were called to Wareham Common shortly before 8.30am this morning after the child was reported on or near an area of ice, believed to be a frozen lake.

The River Piddle flows across the common.

A thorough search of the area was carried out by both fire and police services and it was discovered the child had safely left the scene.

It is understood a member of the public spotted the child and encouraged them to leave the area.

A spokesman for Purbeck Police said: "Purbeck Police responded to a report of a child on the frozen lake this morning on Wareham Common.

"This also prompted an emergency response from both fire and ambulance emergency services. Please can we remind parents to talk to your children about the dangers of this.

"Thankfully a member of public located the child and prevented them from coming to harm."

Both police and firefighters are now urging parents to warn their children of the dangers of walking on ice and frozen waterways. 

A spokesman for Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "The tragic events in Solihull are an awful reminder of the dangers of going onto frozen ponds, lakes, canals and other waterways. Our thoughts are with the families affected and the emergency responders who tried so hard to save those three lives.

"Please keep children and dogs away from frozen areas, as the ice may be incredibly brittle. Make sure you're aware of what to do should the worst happen."

Advice is to: 

  • Never venture onto frozen water. Even if it appears thick from the bank, it becomes thinner very quickly.
  • Don’t wander too near the edge, icy or wet conditions could cause you to slip and fall in.
  • Don’t be tempted to test the thickness of the ice; it’s easy to slip from the bank and fall through into the freezing water.
  • Make sure your children understand how dangerous it is to play on ice.
  • Adults should set a good example by staying off the ice themselves.
  • Alcohol and open water can be a lethal combination – keep well away from the edge of open water if you have been drinking alcohol.