YOUNGSTERS looking for dangerous ways to have fun in freezing conditions have been told they are skating on thin ice - literally.

Children were warned their lives are at risk after five were spotted skating in the frozen canal basin in Engine Lane, Stourport, last Wednesday.

And days later frozen water claimed a victim as a pregnant Jack Russell terrier perished after plunging into a frozen pool in a Kidderminster park.

The Stourport incident, at 3.30pm, prompted a police warning which has been echoed by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents and British Waterways.

Kidderminster Police spokeswoman Caroline Schubert said: "They do not realise how very treacherous ice on rivers and canals can be.

"There is a great risk of falling through the ice into freezing cold water, which can quickly result in drowning."

A spokesman for West Mercia Police confirmed the problem was widespread with youths spotted playing on lakes, ponds, canals and reservoirs across the force area.

The five youngsters in Stourport ran away when they realised they had been spotted.

Firefighters arrived at Springfield Park shortly after noon on Friday to find the frozen Stackpool had claimed the life of a dog.

The dog's owner, a young woman, had tried to crawl across the ice to rescue the animal but had to retreat.

Sub officer Mick Rowlands said: "It is perhaps understandable but not advisable. We don't want human beings going through the ice.

"As it was she was quite safe - two firefighters went across the ice in a boat to get to the dog and it still didn't break so it must have been quite thick."

British Waterways regional manager Jonathan Green said advice on enjoying the canal and river network safely was available by calling the authority on 01564 784634.