The guard rushed to rescue the kids - a boy and a girl - after hearing them crying in a residential area in Pingqiao District on the outskirts of Xinyang, China.

At this time of year, Xinyang in Henan province sees an average temperature of 0 degrees, putting the kids at risk of serious injury if not rescued.

A video shows Mr Wang, 39, waist-deep in water, breaking through the ice to reach the two kids.

The girl can be heard shouting: “Save the boy, he’s younger!” as the man wades over to pull them out.

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