A team of police officers who put their own lives on the line as they formed a human chain in an attempt to save four young boys who had fallen into a frozen lake have been nominated for the National Police Bravery Awards 2023.

On the afternoon of 11 December last year, West Midlands Police received a call stating children were playing on a frozen lake in Solihull and that they had fallen through, becoming submerged in ice-cold water.

Within nine minutes of the first call, officers arrived on the scene, immediately wading into the water to rescue the children, who were all under the age of 12.

However, the ice on the surface was thick and uneven and the water was subzero, making it extremely dangerous for the team of officers to continue. More determined than ever and knowing there were young lives seriously at risk, the officers used their initiative, fearlessly creating a human chain so they could reach further into the lake.

One by one, the officers waded through freezing waters, smashing through thick ice with their hands and batons, while competing with unpredictable currents to get as far into the lake as possible. Those at the end of the chain soon found themselves submerged up to their shoulders.

But having reached a five-foot drop and with all officers without specialist uniforms or equipment, reaching the boys was an impossible task without the risk of drowning themselves. These waters were so cold, even those wearing protective gear would last a maximum of 30 minutes before feeling the severe impact of the icy conditions themselves.

Sergeant Fergal Sharky was forced to consider various dangerous options to allow officers to get further out on the ice, such as lying down to spread their weight, during the perilous attempts to save the young children.

Meanwhile, their colleagues made similar attempts as described.

Reluctantly, the team made the difficult decision to leave the water, where they safeguarded the boys’ families who had arrived at the scene, as well as concerned members of the public.

The team created space for the Fire and Rescue Service, who arrived shortly after the officers had left the water. The first child was soon brought to the shore, with a further three boys located within minutes of fire service colleagues entering the lake.

The team of officers, along with emergency service colleagues from the Air Ambulance and Fire and Rescue Service, began first aid and CPR on the four children, who were all in cardiac arrest when rescued.

Some of the officers, such as PC Jordon Finn, significantly injured their hands attempting to break through the ice and suffered mild hypothermia as a result.

Superintendent Richard Harris at Solihull Neighbourhood Policing Unit said this was “without a doubt” one of the most tragic incidents he has known in his 27 years of service. 

He added: “All the officers who attended this incident showed incredible bravery putting their own safety to one side in order to do their best in saving the young lives of the four boys. 

“I am incredibly proud of what they all did, and I would like to thank and commend them all for their selfless act and bravery.”

Chief Constable Craig Guildford QPM said: “These officers and staff displayed immense personal bravery, teamwork and dedication in trying to save the lives of four young people. The way they went about their duties at the scene exemplifies everything a dedicated public servant stands for; they are thoroughly deserving of this award.”