A massive search of Workington’s Siddick Ponds was undertaken after reports that someone had fallen through the ice.
Emergency services, including police, fire crews, Maryport Rescue and paramedics were called at around 3.45pm yesterday, Sunday December 11, from someone who believed they had seen someone tumble into the water at the beauty spot.
HM Coastguard’s search and rescue helicopter and voluntary organisation West Cumbria Search and Rescue were also at the scene.
However, no one was found.
A police spokesman said: “At this time, police enquiries have not established anybody being unaccounted for. Officers have also located and spoken with a group of boys with their parents – one of whose leg briefly broke through the ice but he did not fall in.
“Searches have now concluded with no evidence at this time of anyone having fallen through the ice.
“The emergency services would also like to take this opportunity to remind people of the dangers of walking out onto ice and urge parents to speak to their children to warn them of the potential consequences if someone goes through into the frozen water.”
However, Cumbria police are urging anyone with information which may help to contact police. Report online at www.cumbria.police.uk/reportit , quoting incident number 134 of 11 December 2022 or call 101. If it is an emergency, call 999.
What is Siddick Ponds?
Siddick Ponds is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and Local Nature Reserve and one of Cumbria’s most important bird sites.
The combination of extensive reedbed and two large ponds – one freshwater, the other brackish (a mix of fresh and saltwater) – contributes to the variety of species using the site and is unique in Cumbria, attracting a distinctive community of birds throughout the year.
It is between Workington and the community of Siddick and is bordered by Dunmail Park shopping centre to the west and Iggesund Paperboard to the north.
