Emergency services were called after concerns that young boys were walking on a frozen canal in Blackburn

Crews from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service could be seen outside the Raj Indian Cuisine Restaurant in Bolton Road, near to Infirmary Road, yesterday (December 14) at around 5pm.

Crews conducted a thorough search of the area and were on site for several hours, but concluded no one was present at the scene.

Fire Engines could be seen parked outside the restaurant close to an entrance which leads on to the canal embankment.

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service said there had reports of people walking on the frozen canal but after extensive searches they found nobody in or near the water.

Firefighters searched the banks while aerial drones and used thermal cameras from above the scene.

An underwater drone was also used to double-check nobody was submerged.

Lancashire Telegraph:

Police searched this section for several hours

Speaking to the Lancashire Telegraph one witness said: “There were reports that a child had fallen into the canal.

“The fire service spent a number of hours searching the area.”

With freezing temperatures set to continue, police have been warning people over the dangers of walking on frozen water following the tragic loss of life in Solihull over the weekend.

A police spokesperson said: "Our officers, along with colleagues from the North West Ambulance Service, Lancashire Fire and Rescue and the Rivers and Canals Trust launched a search operation.

"After several hours, it transpired that nobody was at the scene.

"This took resources away from other emergency situations at this very busy time of year for all emergency services.

"We know that water safety is in the national news after the tragic loss of life in the West Midlands over the weekend and we want to remind you of the devastating consequences that entering frozen water can have.

"Falling into the water can cause cold water shock, which affects your muscles, nerves and brain power, making it almost impossible to get to safety or even ask for help – loss of consciousness can lead to loss of life."

Lancashire Telegraph:

The canal bank is close to the Raj Indian Cuisine Restaurant in Bolton Road

In Hyndburn, police said they were made aware of a group of young people walking and playing on a frozen lake at Platt's Lodge.

Earlier in the week, a dog had to be rescued from a frozen lake near Colne after chasing a bird and becoming stuck in the icy water.