Cleveland Police issued the message following reports of children on a lake in Hemlington, Middlesbrough today (January 11).
They have urged everyone, including youngsters, to stay away from the lakes which could lead to death if they fall through.
A full statement reads: “Officers are warning youngsters of the dangers of frozen lakes and ponds, following reports of children playing on the frozen lake in Hemlington this afternoon, Saturday 11th January.
“Whilst this may seem like fun, the ice can easily break and youngsters could fall into the water which will be at an extremely low temperature. This could cause hyperthermia and could be fatal.
“Please don’t take any risks and stay away from frozen ponds and lakes.”
This comes after the UK recorded its coldest January night in 15 years as more freezing temperatures are expected to roll in over the coming days.
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In Altnaharra, a hamlet in Sutherland, the most northern region of the Highlands, overnight temperatures dropped to minus 14.5C overnight into Friday – the coldest night of the winter so far in the UK.
It was the coldest January overnight temperature since 2010 – which was a month that saw temperatures drop below minus 15C several times at locations across the UK, including minus 22.3C on January 8 in Altnaharra.
Temperatures still remain low in the North East too – and are expected to feel as low as -5C early on Sunday morning (January 12).