Search goes on for toddler, 2, who fell into Leicester river
A TWO-YEAR-OLD boy missing for almost a week after falling into a river has been named by police.
“Bundle of joy” Xielo Maruziva was pictured and named by Leicestershire Police as the search for the boy entered its fourth day. The toddler fell from a footbridge into the Soar in the Aylestone Meadows nature reserve in Leicester just after 5pm on Sunday.
Four days of searches involving four police forces, specialist divers, drones, helicopters and thermal imaging cameras have yet to yield any results.
The child’s father said: “Xielo is a bundle of joy to us. He is a charming and creative little boy and has just started at nursery. He loves cuddles, playing with his toys and going to the park.”
He added: “As a family, we have been completely devastated over the past few days as the search for Xielo continues. It is hard to describe the pain and suffering we are going through.”
Detectives on Tuesday said they obtained video footage that appeared to show the boy’s fall from Packhorse Bridge, which is around 15ft (4.5 metres) high. This week the force revealed a father had jumped into the river to try and rescue Xielo after the fall. A major search involving specialist divers, drones, helicopters and four police forces continues.
Xielo’s mother added: “Xielo is a cheeky, funny, friendly, smart, caring and independent little boy. He never fails to make me laugh or smile and always loves a cuddle and some kisses.
“Xielo loves playing with his toys and watching cartoons ... Me, his dad and the whole family are so heartbroken at what has happened. We thank everyone who has supported us and helped us during this time. We are extremely grateful for this. All we want is for Xielo to be found as soon as possible.”
Asst Chief Constable Michaela Kerr, said: “As we now enter the fourth day of the search for the missing boy specialist officers continue to provide full support to the family and our thoughts very much remain with them.”