Heavy snow disrupts UK travel, three boys die after falling into icy lake

Heavy snowfall blanketed parts of Britain on Monday, disrupting airports, train networks and roads, while two coal plants were put on standby in case of a power crunch as the country recorded its coldest night of the year so far.

Parts of London’s underground network were suspended or faced delays, while motorways were gridlocked due to snow. London’s Gatwick and Stansted airports warned flight schedules could be disrupted.

The Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for snow and ice in London and south-east England, with ice and fog warnings in other parts of England and the whole of Northern Ireland.

Temperatures dropped below -15 degrees Celsius (5 degrees Fahrenheit) in northern Scotland, with the Met Office confirming it was the coldest night of the year. Further warnings in Scotland and north-east England for potential disruption caused by weather will start at midnight on Tuesday.

The snow caused problems for commuters and holidaymakers at the start of a fortnight when rail workers and border officials plan industrial action.

Several train operators advised customers not to travel, while emergency services said it was important people take care in potentially hazardous conditions.

Three young boys have died after falling into an ice-covered lake in central England at the weekend, police said on Monday.

The boys, aged 11, 10 and 8, were pulled from the lake in Solihull in a critical condition on Sunday, along with a 6-year-old, and taken to hospital. The 6-year-old remained in a critical condition in hospital, police said.

“Sadly, they could not be revived and our thoughts are with their family and friends at this deeply devastating time,” West Midlands Police said in a statement.

“Searches of the lake are continuing as we seek to establish exactly what happened and if anyone else fell into the water.”

Brighton, UK