Staffordshire Police have warned against the dangers of cooling off in the hot weather by taking a dip in open water after receiving reports of children swimming in Knypersley Reservoir.

The police's Moorlands team says that it has received reports of people in the local body of water and other reservoirs and lakes around the district in recent days.

But officers say there are dangers to cooling off in large bodies of water, such as potentially strong currents and pollution.

A spokesperson for Staffordshire Police's Moorlands team has now asked people to stay safe in the heat.

They said: "Staffordshire Constabulary and Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service are warning people not to attempt to swim in open water as they enjoy the warm weather.

"It follows a number of reports across the Moorlands about people swimming in lakes, reservoirs and other water sources over the past few days.

"We have received reports of children swimming in Knypersley Reservoir, Rudyard Lake, Tittesworth Reservoir, Stanley Pool and other water sources.

"It can be very tempting to cool off with a dip in water as the summer temperatures soar.

"But although bodies of water may look appealing and even safe, strong currents, hazardous objects, and pollution mean they often hide much less obvious dangers."

They also included a list of the potential dangers of swimming in open waters, including:

•It can be very cold

•There may be hidden currents

•It can be difficult to get out (steep slippery banks)

•It can be deep

•There may be hidden rubbish, e.g. shopping trolleys, broken glass

•It is difficult to estimate depth

•It may be polluted and may make you ill