Appeal for commonsense as 'daredevils' try walking on frozen Tyrone lough

Walkers have reported seeing daredevils trying to walk on the frozen water at the popular beauty spot in the Sperrin mountains outside Cookstown.

Others have been seen attempting to smash the frozen surface with stones. An emergency lifebuoy ring for the safety of the public was also thrown onto ice.

Mid Ulster PSNI said in a social media post today: "Lough Fea is still frozen over, a bit like the logic of those who even today are out walking on it.

"Enjoy Lough Fea and its surroundings but don't take yourself or your kids out onto the ice!

"You fall through the ice here and realistically you aren't coming back out."

Local Ulster Unionist Councillor Trevor Wilson appealed to the public to exercise common sense and not attempt to walk on the frozen surface.

"It is particularly disappointing to see a lifebuoy removed from its mount and tossed onto the frozen surface," he said. "This is completely irresponsible as it could be needed in the event of someone getting into difficulty."

Dozens of people have been flocking over the weekend to Lough Fea and Drum Manor Forest Park in Cookstown, where the lake is also frozen, to get some exercise.

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