The devastated families of two brothers and their cousin who died after being pulled from an icy lake have paid tribute.
Four boys fell through the ice in Babbs Mill Lake on Sunday afternoon, prompting a huge emergency service response. Four boys were pulled from the icy water and were taken to hospital, with three dying soon after. A fourth boy, six, died on Wednesday, December 14 after fighting for his life for three days.
The families of three of the children who fell into the lake have released pictures and a tribute to their "beautiful boys".
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The boys involved were brothers Finlay, eight, and Samuel Butler, six and their cousin Thomas Stewart, 11, as well as ten-year-old Jack Johnson.
Their parents have said: “As a family we are devastated at the loss of our beautiful boys Tom, Fin and Sam in such tragic circumstances. We would like to thank the emergency services for all they did in rescuing the boys and to the community for their support, it has been overwhelming.
“We would like to pass on our condolences to Jack’s family at this very sad time, and ask for privacy from the media to begin to grieve.”
Thomas’ older brother paid tribute to him and his cousin Fin ahead of the sad news that Sam had died.
He wrote: “Thomas was such a lively little soul, he had a big heart for such a young kid and he was so beautiful. He loved being outside playing with his mates. I love you Tom, big bro will take care of the family and I will see you soon. Make sure you keep practising on warzone and get a win, will you?
“Can’t forget about my dinosaur man Fin, he loved dinosaurs so much and always showing me new things he built on Minecraft and all the new stuff he learnt on it. Gonna miss you little man.”
Extensive underwater searches were carried out and have now concluded.
Supt Rich Harris said: “This is a tragedy beyond words and a grief that is unimaginable for the families and friends of the boys. The support from the community has been overwhelming, not just for the bereaved families, but also for the emergency services, for which we are extremely grateful.
“Our officers will remain in the area in the coming days. Please come and speak to us if you need to.”
