Firefighters rescue two children from frozen Leytonstone pond

Two Boys Rescued from Hollow Pond

Two boys were rescued after being stuck on an island in the middle of Hollow Pond on 7th January.

Firefighters from the London Fire Brigade (LFB) responded to a call at 4:44 PM. The boys were trapped on an island due to melting ice. Crews from Leyton, Walthamstow, and East Ham used inflatable rescue boats and special water rescue equipment to reach them.

There were no reports of injuries, and the rescue was completed by 5:35 PM. This incident occurred just days after two men fell into water while trying to save a dog in a frozen lake in Epping Forest on 4th January.

Both men were able to exit the water and were cared for by the ambulance service. The dog was safely returned to its owners.

The LFB reported receiving “more than 14 calls” for ice rescues in the past week. Other incidents on 7th January included a dog trapped on a frozen lake in Romford and children playing on a frozen lake in Enfield.

LFB Assistant Commissioner Pat Goulbourne warned the public about the dangers of frozen ponds and lakes. He said, “Walking out on to frozen ponds or lakes is extremely dangerous.”

He added, “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.” He cautioned that falling into icy water poses a high risk of hypothermia, which can be fatal.

If someone or an animal is in trouble in cold water, emergency services advise not to enter the water. Instead, call 999 and ask for the fire service while keeping visual contact from a safe location.

Summary of Incidents