Kids risking lives

Kids were reportedly seen riding bicycles and walking across Drumlough Lake.

Police have urged parents to keep an eye on their kids during the frosty weather as the ice could break with possibly fatal consequences .

“The kids think they are having fun on the lake but I don’t think they realise just how much danger they’re putting themselves in,” said a concerned mother. “It’s up to the parents to keep an eye on their kids and stop them from playing on the ice.

“I know that if one of my kids fell through the ice and something happened to them I wouldn’t be able to forgive myself.

"I was always brought up to be fully aware of the dangers of Drumlough Lake."

A police spokesperson said, “Police cannot stress strongly enough the dangers of such activity. While playing on the frozen surface may seem like a novelty the risks shouldn't be underestimated. “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 and children and indeed teenagers should be reminded of this.”

He added, “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.”