POLICE have warned of the dangers of swimming in open water following a number of calls to the force about children swimming in Lymm Dam and Manchester Ship Canal.

In the past few weeks, officers in Warrington have received reports of young people playing in the water.

A spokesman for Cheshire Police said: "We would like to warn residents of the dangers in swimming in open waters and ask that people refrain from entering the water for their own safety.

"If someone is in difficulty in the water shout reassurance to them and shout for help and call the emergency services on 999."

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service have produced an open water safety video. Click here to watch.