A "loss of life" warning has been issued as the country still faces adverse weather conditions after heavy snowfall hit several areas of the UK. The warning comes as several school children were reportedly seen walking on frozen ponds in Nottinghamshire.

Ashfield Fire Station said it had been told "children wearing school uniforms" were walking onto the ice on local ponds on Tuesday (January 6) afternoon, reports Nottinghamshire Live. Ashfield Fire Station added: "Parents, please speak to your children about how dangerous this is. Ice can look safe but can break without warning. Showing off to friends can have devastating consequences.

"Please make sure your children arrive home safely for their tea tonight. If you work in a school, please remind all pupils of the dangers of going onto frozen ponds and lakes. It's not brave. It's not clever. Don't do it."

Similarly, Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service said in a statement: "Whether you're walking the dog, heading out with family, or out at the park, keep well away from frozen lakes, ponds and rivers. Ice is unpredictable and can give way without warning, resulting in injuries and even loss of life."

This comes as the Met Office extended a yellow weather warning for ice covering much of England and large areas of Scotland and Wales. First issued to last for the first 10 hours of Wednesday (January 7), the forecaster decided to bring it forward to begin tonight.

The alert warns that icy patches are expected to cause disruption and increase the chance of injury.

In its latest forecast, the Met Office said that cold temperatures tonight could lead to "sharp frost and ice". It said: "Rain, sleet and snow moves across the south this evening, eventually clearing overnight. Further snow moving into northern Scotland later. Not as cold as last night but clear skies for many will lead to a sharp frost and ice."

Met Office Chief Forecaster Jason Kelly said: "A further spell of snow is expected to move east across central and northern Scotland today. Amber warnings are in place until 7pm this evening.

"Elsewhere, snow showers will be mixed with rain and sleet and it will be another very cold day, with strengthening winds too.

"Overnight, cold air pushes back in with temperatures widely dipping below freezing again. This means there is the risk of further ice overnight and a new yellow weather warnings for ice covers the majority of the UK until Wednesday morning."