AN ambulance was called to the Highgate Boating Pond on Saturday after a woman dived in and smashed her face.

The accident happened as people ignored signs that the pond is not safe to swim in amid heatwave temperatures. Witnesses said the woman, in her 20s, was left shocked and bleeding from her face.

A Heath spokesman added: “It is dangerous to swim anywhere other than in the designated bathing ponds or the Lido within their opening hours. These ponds are staffed by trained lifeguards and are safe to swim in.”

He added: “Other bodies of water on the Heath are not lifeguarded, are dangerous for swimming, and may have objects under the surface which can cause injury.”