Cops view CCTV moment toddler fell into river
Hunt continues for two-year-old swept away in front of his family
POLICE searching for a missing twoyear-old boy have obtained CCTV footage of the horrifying moment he fell into a swollen river.
Searches are continuing for the toddler, who was with relatives when he plunged into the river on Sunday.
His dad jumped into the fast-flowing murky water but the boy, who has not been named, was swept away.
Police carried out a third day of searches of the River Soar in Leicester yesterday but found no sign of the boy. The force is calling for witnesses to the incident to come forward.
Asst Chief Const Michaela Kerr said: “The last thing we can see of the CCTV is that he just disappears into the water.”
She said there was “nothing to suggest anything other than this is a tragic set of circumstances”. The officer said water levels had dropped in the area where the boy vanished, making it easier for officers to conduct searches.
But more heavy rain is forecast for today and there are fears of fresh flooding. “Our searching strategy is dictated by conditions,” added ACC Kerr.
Specialist marine recovery dogs from Scotland Yard helped in the searches yesterday. They were joined by rescue teams from Leicestershire Police, Kent Police and West Mercia Police.
Helicopters and drones were also used for a third day as the hunt for the boy continued.
ACC Kerr added: “We need to find the little boy and return him to his family. This is just dreadful. It’s your worst possible nightmare. This is an extremely difficult time for the family; our thoughts are very much with them, and we continue to support them.”