LONDON, Dec 15 — Four young boys have now died after they fell into an icy lake near Birmingham, central England, police said on Wednesday.

The boys — aged six, eight, 10 and 11 — suffered cardiac arrest when they fell into the freezing water in Solihull on Sunday afternoon.

West Midlands Police announced the deaths of the older children on Monday but confirmed on Wednesday that the youngest had also now died.

"It is with heartfelt sadness that we have to report this afternoon, the six-year-old in hospital has lost his fight for life,” it added.

"Our deepest sympathies are with the families and friends of those involved in this tragedy.”

The accident came as the UK has been hit by heavy snow and freezing conditions that have seen temperatures drop to -10 degrees Celsius (14 degrees Fahrenheit) in some areas.

Witnesses reported seeing children playing on the lake at Babbs Mill Park, a local beauty spot, when the ice cracked and they fell in.

One of the boys is said to have gone into the water to try to save the others. — AFP