Three boys die after falling into frozen lake in UK: police

LONDON - Three boys -- aged eight, 10 and 11 -- have died and another boy remains in critical condition after they fell into an icy lake near Birmingham, central England, police said.

"Three boys have tragically died after falling into the lake at Babbs Mill Park in Solihull," West Midlands Police said in a statement.

The boys suffered cardiac arrest and were rushed to hospital after being pulled from the water.

"Sadly, they could not be revived and our thoughts are with their family and friends at this deeply devastating time," said police.

READ: Four children 'critical' in hospital as UK hit by Arctic weather

"A fourth boy, aged six, remains in a critical condition in hospital."

Witnesses reported seeing other children on the lake, which froze during a cold snap that has hit swathes of the country. 

"Searches of the lake are continuing as we seek to establish exactly what happened and if anyone else fell into the water," added police.

The incident came as the UK was hit by heavy snow and freezing conditions, causing major travel disruption, on the eve of a national rail strike Tuesday that was already expected to bring the country to a grinding halt.