Weather: Drivers Rescued After More Snow

More snow has fallen across some parts of the UK causing disruption to schools and travel networks and stranding motorists in their cars.

Motorists walk back to their cars after a fire in Dartmoor blocked the road

Up to 9cm fell overnight across parts of south and south-west England, the West Midlands and parts of Wales, but it has been generally light.

In Somerset, 30 people were forced to abandon their cars and spend the night in a shelter after heavy snow and fallen trees blocked the A39 between Bridgwater and Wilton.

Police rescued the stranded drivers in the early hours of the morning and took them to a local village hall where they spent the night.

Ablaze: a car fire on the B3212 at Dartmoor, Devon

A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset police said: "At 1am we became aware that about 30 people were stuck on a road that was impassable, primarily because of snow but also because of fallen trees.

"Officers from different districts in 4x4s were first on the scene to help and we asked the local fire station to open up and serve hot drinks and spoke with the council and identified a key holder for a nearby village hall.

"It was a group effort by the emergency services and a bit of community spirit."

Driver Matthew Shipton was on his way home from work when the blaze started

Another driver had a lucky escape after his car caught fire on the B3212 at Dartmoor in Devon. Matthew Shipton, 21, was driving home from work when his engine suddenly burst into flames.

Firefighters were called and put out the blaze.

Emergency services were called to Sutton Park in Sutton Coldfield where a boy, believed to be 15, had apparently tried to walk on the frozen surface of a large pool of water.

Fire crews use a raft to reach a boy who fell through the ice (Pic: WMFS)

After falling through he managed to escape the icy water and reach an island about 30 metres (100ft) from the shore, but was suffering from the effects of the cold.

Fire crews from Sutton Coldfield, Erdington and Perry Barr were sent to the park, along with the police and ambulance service.

They were able to rescue the boy using an inflatable raft, and he was taken to hospital.

Children make their way through the ice to school in Princetown, Dartmoor

A spokesman for West Midlands Fire Service said: "This incident is a very timely reminder about the need for us all to stay safe and sensible in these very cold weather conditions.

"As sturdy as it might look, there is no way of knowing the thickness of ice on pools, lakes and other waterways. Please stay off it, and make sure that any children you know are aware of the dangers.

"People who put themselves at risk by venturing on to ice also endanger the lives of anyone who might have to rescue them.

Snow today is expected to be generally light

"We're also urging dog owners to keep them on leads, so that they and their pets don't get into difficulties."

The icy weather has already caused problems across the country this week with hundreds of schools closed, dozens of flights cancelled and train networks disrupted.

It has also led to the deaths of at least nine people, including a man who is believed to have died after slipping on ice near his home in in Accrington, Lancashire after a night out.

Police said 54-year-old James Hurst fell over after he had been dropped off by taxi following an evening at a local pub on Saturday.

Blizzard: People struggle across a car park in Shepton Mallet

Neighbours saw his body lying near a doorstep at about 8am the next day. Police confirmed Mr Hurst suffered a head injury which they were treating as an accident.

Tributes were also paid yesterday to postman John Bircham, who collapsed as he approached the end of his deliveries in and around the Somerset town of Dulverton on Saturday.

It is understood that the 57-year-old father of two was towed out of a snowdrift by a farmer before collapsing soon afterwards.

A woman found dead in a garden early on Sunday is believed to have collapsed in the snow after a night out.

Icy: Snow and ice covers Bradgate Park in Newtown, Leicestershire

Bernadette Lee, 25, was discovered in the front garden of the house next to her sister's by a man walking his dog in Church Meadows, Deal, Kent, at 7.30am.

Kent Police are investigating the cause of death but there have been reports that she had no visible injuries and was found without a coat.

Temperatures are expected to become milder at the weekend; however melting snow coupled with rainfall could lead to flooding.

Sky's weather producer, Joanna Robinson, said: "The next few days will be quieter in terms of snowfall, but ice and freezing fog will remain hazards.

Snow is cleared by a farmer on a road near Auchterarder, Scotland

"The next spell of heavy, possibly disruptive, snow will be on Friday in the north and east, but it will be fairly short lived as it will turn milder over the weekend. Flooding will then be an issue.

"In terms of snowfall today, there will be patchy outbreaks across the West Midlands, Wales and south-west England, but it will be much lighter than last night.

"Parts of Wales and south-west England could see another 2-5cm, locally 10cm over the hills.

"Generally the snowfall should ease today but there may be some very local issues of disruption across the south-west.

"Tonight and Thursday night look very cold, with temperatures dropping below minus 10 Celsius in some rural spots."

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