Three boys aged eight, 10 and 11 have died after they fell into an ice cold lake in Solihull

A police officer, who was one of the first at the scene, tried to punch a hole through an icy lake.

However, his efforts were not enough to save three boys who had fallen into the lake in Solihull, England.

A fourth boy, 6, remains in a critical condition after he was pulled from the lake.

Superintendent Richard Harris said the families of the children are “absolutely devastated”.

“One of my officers was trying to punch through the ice to actually rescue the children themselves.”

“That officer, as a result of that, had some mild hypothermia yesterday. I’m pleased to say he’s now been released from hospital and he’s absolutely fine,” he said.

Superintendent Harris said all personnel who attended the scene entered the water without regard for their own safety.

It is understood some of the officers went waist-deep and suffered from hypothermia.

“It’s important to stress though that we’ve had no contact from anybody suggesting that there is anybody else missing,” he said.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has offered his condolences to the families.