Schoolgirl, 13, used tree branch in desperate attempt to save boys in frozen Solihull lake

Watch: Schoolgirl recalls moment she tried to rescue four boys who fell into frozen lake

A teenage schoolgirl has recalled her desperate attempt to save the boys who died after falling into a frozen lake in Solihull on Sunday evening.

Jack Johnson, 10, and two other boys – aged eight and 11 – passed away at Babbs Mill Park after being pulled from the water.

A fourth boy, aged six, remains in critical condition in hospital.

Oliwia Szewc, 13, from Kingshurst, was meeting a friend at the park when the tragedy happened.

Explaining how she tried to save the boys, Oliwia told ITV News: "I was just trying to find branches of trees and try to pass to them but they were all too short.

"I was just trying my best to think of different ways to at least help them or do anything for them to float on the surface of the water so they wouldn't drown.

"I was thinking, what would be able to pull them back to the shore? And then I just looked at a tree and I was like, that's it.”

Oliwia’s friend called the emergency services and the pair gave up their coats to give to the boys in a bid to keep them warm.

The tight-knit community of Chelmsley Wood is still in shock since news broke on Monday that three boys had died.

Charlotte McIlmurray, the aunt of Jack Johnson, who is reported to have been trying to save others who fell into the water near Birmingham, used a social media post to thank members of the community for their support.

In a post on social media, Jack’s aunt, Charlotte McIlmurray, described the tragedy as a “nightmare”, adding “that two families can’t wake from the pain is unimaginable”.

“He (Jack) was my nephew, so I know the pain is a million times worse for their moms, dads, sisters/brothers,” she added.

West Midlands Police’s Chelmsley Wood neighbourhood policing team were among the first rescuers on the scene and one had tried to punch through the ice to reach the youngsters.

The officers were in tears as they were applauded by the public as they laid flowers near to where three boys died after falling into an ice-covered lake.

A group of 21 officers from West Midlands Police’s Chelmsley Wood neighbourhood policing team marched to the makeshift shrine.

Numerous bunches of flowers left near the scene included tributes from the emergency services, the NHS, local politicians, Marston Green FC and friends of the boys.

Birmingham City Football Club head coach John Eustace also laid flowers on Tuesday, on behalf of all those at the club.

Solihull Police also tweeted its “heartfelt thanks” to the community for its “overwhelming” support offered to all branches of the emergency services who attended the rescue and since.