B&Q has reportedly launched an investigation to look into claims that an employee posted a sick tweet about the lake tragedy in Solihull, which led to the death of three young boys, as a fourth remains critical in hospital. The DIY retailer was said to have been notified of the tweet that allegedly uploaded an offensive caption under a picture of emergency services at the scene.
According to Birmingham Live, a screenshot was sent to the company of what seemed to be the tweet, alongside a picture of a man in B&Q uniform. The retailer replied: "Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We are taking this very seriously and are investigating further."
On Sunday (Dec 11), four children were pulled from the lake, three of whom have now sadly died having suffered cardiac arrests - the fourth remains critical in hospital. A large search operation continued on Monday morning (Dec 12) amid fears that more children may have fallen into Babbs Mill Lake in Kingshurst, Solihull.
READ MORE: Nottinghamshire Police divers help with Solihull lake rescue as three boys die
However, police have since said they have received no reports of more missing children. They have vowed to continue to search the area until they are certain that no one is unaccounted for.
The tragedy struck at 2.36pm on Sunday when the children, who witnesses say were playing on the ice, ended up in the water. Emergency services and members of the public managed to get four of them out.
Three of the boys, aged eight, ten and 11, died having suffered cardiac arrests, despite heroic efforts from rescuers as they punched through the ice to try to save them. A fourth boy, six, is 'fighting for his life' in hospital. It is believed the boys fell into the water when trying to save a friend who had gotten his leg stuck in the ice.
In wake of the incident, emergency services are urging people to stay away from frozen water. It comes as temperatures continue to plunge close to or below freezing across the country.
Officers said they had received no reports of more missing children but would continue to search until they were certain no one remained unaccounted for. Supt Richard Harris, of West Midlands Police, said: “Police officers did go into the water. They were joined by other members of the other emergency services. Some of the officers went in waist-deep.
“One of my officers was trying to punch through the ice to rescue the children themselves. That officer, as a result of that, had some mild hypothermia yesterday. I’m pleased to say he’s now been released from hospital and he’s absolutely fine.”
On Monday evening, a vigil was held by heartbroken community members in Kingshurst, Solihull. The gathering took place at Babbs Mill Park, where the tragedy took place, as many local people attended, bringing flowers and cards, to pay tribute to the youngsters. Lots of children were also present, leaving tributes at the base of a tree close to the northern entrance of the park.
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