'Keep off the ice or you could end up losing your life' is message from police after youths spotted on frozen Ribble Valley pond

A member of the public raised the alarm after believing that someone had fallen through the ice at Barrow Brook pond.

The witness became concerned after seeing six people on the ice and only five come off, one of which was trying to break the ice surface near the centre. Earlier they had seen someone fall through the ice who was pulled out by friends.

Luckily all six were accounted for but only after several police units, the Drone unit and Lancashire Fire and Rescue were called out. Underwater search teams were also being considered at the point the six were accounted for. Incredibly, following this more youths ventured onto the ice and again had a lucky escape.

Police were informed that a number of the youths arrived by car and park near McDonald's restaurant before going to the pond.

Issuing a warning on social media this evening PC Nigel Keates said: "Be warned, the ice is melting and you are unlikely to survive or be rescued should you fall under the ice.

"This isn't Hollywood where victims come back from the dead. Police officers do not want to deliver messages to parents that their child is missing presumed drowned."

PC Keates appealed for parents to speak to their children in a bid to make them realise the dangers of ice adding: "Hopefully it won't be the last conversation you have."