POLICE have warned residents against jumping into the canals in the hot weather after parents pushing prams were spotted taking a dip.

Officers were called to the Penny Ferry crossing in Thelwall twice yesterday, Monday, alone after receiving reports of youths jumping in the Manchester Ship Canal.

And groups pushing prams with babies in them were even seen entering the water as warm weather from the weekend continues into the Easter holidays.

A Cheshire Police spokesman said: “One warm day is not enough to heat up water in canal - it’s extremely dangerous in temperature, cleanliness and depth.

“Please check the whereabouts of your kids - some groups even have young babies with them in prams.

“Safety advice has been given, we just hope that this sinks in before they sink in.

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“We will be contacting Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service to see if we can do some work around water safety.”