Police have issued a stern warning after youngsters were seen playing on a frozen canal.
A picture shared on social media showed a group of around six boys at the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, in Abram, Wigan, on Sunday afternoon (January 12).
While two are sitting on the wall, four of them are standing on the frozen water, one of them close to the centre of the canal.
Greater Manchester Police said they received a further report of youths on frozen water at Dover Lock at 1pm today (Monday).
In a warning shared on Facebook this afternoon, officers said: “In partnership with Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service we would like to deliver following the message. Never venture onto frozen water.
“Even if the ice appears thick from the bank, it becomes thinner very quickly and can crack. Our message is simple – stay safe, stay off the ice.”
Issuing a warning of her own, Abram councillor Nazia Rehman said: “The ice can be tricky, you don’t know what you are putting yourself into.
“Anything can happen. We have some cases where young people have drowned so I would encourage young people not to put themselves at risk.”
It is not the only incident to have happened on frozen water over the weekend. Another photo was shared showing a boy walking across the frozen lake at Reddish Vale Country Park in Stockport.
And on Saturday, police issued a warning following reports of children playing on Dixon Green fishing pond in Farnworth, Bolton. Officers warned against the ‘extremely dangerous’ behaviour, adding it can have ‘fatal consequences’.
The force also shared advice and guidance for staying safe around frozen water, including not throwing sticks or balls for dogs over it, and calling 999 if you see anyone in trouble in icy water.