Walkers in Leazes Park in Newcastle were shocked to see a family with a young child in a pram walking on the frozen lake on Sunday (January 12) afternoon.
It comes after days of freezing temperatures which have seen the park’s lake freeze over, and dozens of warnings issued across the region to stay off potentially “deadly” frozen bodies of water.
One eyewitness said: “It beggars belief, you can bet if they fell in it would be someone else’s fault.
“It’s bad enough risking your own life but taking a young child out there is even worse.”
The family with a pram were seen posing for photos on the ice.
People on the frozen Leazes Park lake against safety advice from officials. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)
Others were seen taking a stroll on the frozen water while another family built a snowman.
A fresh warning has been issued over the dangers of walking or playing on iced bodies of water.
A Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “In the winter months the plummeting temperatures can produce some very dangerous and at times fatal weather conditions. This can include snowy and icy settings that may result in frozen waterways including rivers, lakes and ponds.
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“Although the ice might look inviting for young people to explore and play upon its fragility and unpredictable surfaces can prove deadly.
“We would urge parents and guardians to know where their children are playing during these wintry months, and to relay the critical safety messages as it could save somebody’s life.”