YOUNGSTERS in East Lancashire have been warned to keep off frozen waters after three separate ‘crazy, mindless’ incidents over the weekend.

Two youngsters were spotted playing football on the frozen Leeds and Liverpool Canal near the Moorings pub across from the old Infirmary site in Blackburn.

On the same canal in Clayton-le-Moors, teenagers were spotted writing words in the ice.

And a group of teenagers risked their lives by strolling across a frozen lake in Barrowford Park.

The reckless antics came on the day a man died in the River Tees, Stockton, trying to save his two dogs.

On Friday, two middle-aged brothers died after tumbling into icy water in Leicester’s Watermead Country Park.

Officials warned that East Lancashire could have a tragedy on its hands if the practice did not stop.

The big freeze has left many of East Lancashire's rivers, lakes and the canal frozen. Freezing temperatures, and snow showers overnight were expected to add to the situation.

While forecasters are predicting continuing icy temperatures and sleet and snow early this week.

But police warned that the low temperatures did not mean the waters were safe to walk on.

Inspector Gary Crowe said: “During the current icy conditions, adults as well as children are walking or playing on ice on lakes, ponds, canals and rivers.

“It is not safe and if anyone should fall through the ice hypothermia can set in very quickly, making it almost impossible to get out safely.”

Gill Owen, from British Waterways, which manages the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, said children were putting themselves and those who have to rescue them at risk.

She said: "We would urge parents to ensure their children keep away from frozen canals because they are simply not safe.”

Last month, United Utilities engineers spotted sledgers dangerously close to Fishmoor reservoir, Guide, Blackburn.

The firm has also warned youngsters to keep off its frozen reservoirs in East Lancashire.

Process manager Paul Hooson said: “Many of our reservoirs are in remote locations and roads are icy, making rescue by emergency services much more difficult.

“Parents need to warn their children to stay away.”

Barrowford councillor Jonathan Eyre said he was horrified by the youths who had walked across Barrowford Park lake yesterday.

He said: “I am absolutely shocked about this because we are currently seeing unprecedented ice.

“It is insane and mindless for any child to be on the ice and I would hope parents and schools can play a part in discouraging this sort of behaviour.”

Ward councillor for the Infirmary area, Maureen Bateson said: “I think it’s madness, particularly with the recent deaths.

“Frozen canals are not playgrounds and people are being warned away for a good reason, particularly now temperatures are starting to rise.

“Hopefully if the schools are back next week they can start to impress the dangers on pupils before we have a tragedy on our hands.”

Coun Janet Storey, who sits on Hyndburn Council, said: “There are quite a few places in Clayton where the canal just presents a really tempting shortcut or place to play for the kids.

“They think they’re indestructible but risking your neck just for a slide on the ice is crazy. It’s dangerous and they need to know that.”

Barrowford councillor Jonathan Eyre said: “I am absolutely shocked about this because we are currently seeing unprecedented ice.

“It is insane and mindless for any child to be on the ice and I would hope parents and schools can play a part in discouraging this sort of behaviour.”