Ice alert as big chill is poised to return

POLICE are urging parents across Northern Ireland to be mindful of where their children are as another wave of arctic weather threatens to bring freezing temperatures back to the province.

Only last week, staff at Ballymena’s Ecos Centre were taking no chances as a coating of thin ice covered the adjacent lake, erecting signs warning of the dangers. Last year, there were several dangerous situations when children were spotted attempting to go out onto the ice.

A police spokesman said: “We cannot stress strongly enough the dangers of such activity. There is no uniformity in the formation of ice and while it may seem sturdy and able to support weight it can become very thin very quickly.

“The surface can easily crack, give way and individuals can fall through. At the temperatures experienced locally over recent days, the consequences could be fatal. Frozen rivers and lakes are not playgrounds; children, and indeed teenagers, should be reminded of this.

“If you see someone, or a pet, fall through the ice and get into difficulty never try and rescue them yourself instead ring 999 immediately.Anyone with concerns about young people playing on frozen lakes or ponds can contact police by calling 0845 600 8000.”