Tearful police were seen today paying an emotional tribute to the young boys who lost their life at a lake in Solihull.
West Midlands Police teams from Chelmsley Wood and the Kingshurst area were seen laying flowers at the scene in Babbs Mill, Kingshurst on Tuesday 13.
Twenty-one officers were seen crowding around a tree, some captured breaking down with tears as they laid the flowers for the boys.
It came as the families were being supported by specialist officers and a dive team from Nottinghamshire Police spent the day searching the lake, helping as its neighbouring West Midlands Police as the force continues to try to establish the circumstances of how the three children died in the icy waters.
A police cordon remained in place - with three officers at the top of it, and a team further down at the lake.
Moving tributes have been laid close to the lake, which claimed the lives of three young boys, aged 11, 10 and eight, on Sunday afternoon.
A fourth child, aged just six, remains in critical condition in hospital.
Shocked members of the community have created a sea of tributes to the youngsters who died in hospital, after plummeting into the freezing water.
Flowers, balloons, teddies, toys and cards with heartfelt messages were left by the community who have paid their respects.
Birmingham City Football Club head coach John Eustace has laid flowers near the lakeside, on behalf of all those at the club.
Mr Eustace laid a floral wreath of blue and white at the foot of a tree, which has become the focal point of mourning near Babbs Mill Lake.
The wreath had a card which read: “Sending our deepest condolences and love to those affected by this tragedy.
“You are in our thoughts. From everyone at Birmingham City Football Club.”
Another tribute, written on a gold ribbon attached to a Christmas tree-shaped tribute, with baubles and tinsel, said: "RIP Babbs Mill Boys" with three hearts.
A card filled with tributes read: “A million broken hearts Missed by all, May God (Allah) unite you and cut the door of heaven. A whole community, nation and world in morning.”
And a second tribute in the same card said: “Those we love don’t go away. They walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near. So loved, so missed, so very dear. Thinking of you all xxxxx.” And a third in the card said: “God bless you. Sleep tightly.”
Another card read: “RIP Beautiful Boys. You will be forever in my thoughts and prayers xxx.” As darkness fell, one on a candle-lit jar, read: “God bless sleep tight” and another said: “Reast easy boys. All our love xxx.”
A police spokesperson has said that they will remain at the scene in order to establish "what happened" on Sunday evening
They said: “We've been working alongside colleagues from the fire and ambulance services as we do all we can to support those involved.
“Searches of the lake are continuing as we seek to establish exactly what happened and if anyone else fell into the water.
“We understand how distressing this is for the families and the wider community. We would ask people to not speculate or share any video footage at this stage.”
