This is the moment at least seven people end up in an icy lake after falling in one after the other as they try to save a child from icy waters in China.

The incident happened in the Shichahai Scenic Area in Beijing, China, on December 31 when a young boy accidentally fell into the freezing waters while walking on thin ice.

With the youngster risking drowning, several kind-hearted citizens and police officers rushed onto the ice, but one after the other they were also tipped into the water all scrabbling to escape at the same time.

Eyewitness Ms. Leng, who was visiting the area at that time was one of those who raised the alarm saying: 'At 1:28 PM, a child has fallen into an ice hole! Please help!'

She later told local media: 'I turned my head towards the lake and saw a young boy, about six or seven years old, in the water. His parents were also struggling in the water, attempting to carry the child and make their way to the shore.

'However, their repeated attempts to climb out of the ice were in vain.'

'I saw more than ten people rush to their aid, but because the ice was too thin, many of them slipped and some even fell into the water as well, getting completely soaked.'

Ms Leng added that even an old man holding a large broom had also rushed to help.

Police officers involved in the rescue effort eventually started to free the trapped people by laying flat on the edge of the ice, forming a human chain.

Those behind grabbed the feet of those in front, creating a 'human ladder'.

Later they used life rings to pull people out with the same method and successfully brought those trapped safely to the shore. The whole process took around 10 minutes.

Upon the arrival of an ambulance, the rescued individuals were promptly taken to the hospital for medical attention.