‘Extremely dangerous’: Warning as teenage girl and dog rescued from icy water after fall into frozen pond

A teenage girl and a dog were rescued from freezing water after falling through the ice on a frozen pond.

Firefighters saved the pair from drowning in the shocking incident after they fell through the ice on Whipps Cross Road, Leytonstone, yesterday (Monday, January 23).

People have been warned to stay away from frozen over water with firefighters stressing the “high” risk of hypothermia and death from freezing temperatures or becoming trapped.

It comes amid a cold snap in the capital, with sub-zero overnight temperatures and chilly fog blanketing the city.

The London Fire Brigade (LFB) and the Met Police dashed to the scene at 11.26am and discovered they were trapped quite a way from the shore.

Water rescue equipment was deployed to bring them to safety, and the girl was transported to hospital.

An LFB spokesperson said: “We were called at 11.26am and the incident was over for firefighters by 12.17pm.

“Three fire engines and two fire rescue units from Leytonstone, Leyton, Walthamstow, Bethnal Green and Euston fire stations attended the scene.”

Now firefighters are stressing the “extremely dangerous” nature of walking on ice.

The fire service warned: “Walking out onto frozen ponds or lakes is extremely dangerous. Never assume that the ice is thick enough to support you.

“It may look sturdy enough to stand on, but it often isn’t and can be of variable thickness especially as you move away from the edge where the ice is often thinner.”

They continued: “If you fall into icy water, the risk of hypothermia is very high and can prove fatal.

“We see a number of people who put themselves in danger by attempting to rescue pets that have become stranded or trapped, and then they also need to be rescued by the brigade.

“Dog owners should keep them on a lead and keep a close eye on them.

"Firefighters are trained and have specialist equipment to rescue those who do get stuck on, or in, an icy lake or pond. If you see a person or an animal in difficulty don’t put yourself at risk by going in after them.

“Call 999, keep your eye on them and stay off the ice.”

The London Ambulance Service (LAS) did not attend.