Weather hampers search operation

BAD weather has hampered the search for Xielo Maruziva.

Police efforts to locate the boy entered their fourth day yesterday, with more specialist teams deployed.

The searchers faced heavy rain and rising water levels in and around Aylestone Meadows.

Assistant Chief Constable Michaela Kerr said: “The priority for us all remains to find this little boy and we are grateful for all of your help and support.

“We have been truly overwhelmed by the support we have received from forces and other agencies across the country as well as from our communities and the wider public.

“We really do thank you for this.” Teams from across the UK have been involved in the search, with the National Police Air Service and drone unit continuing to support officers on the ground.

The Met’s marine recovery dogs have aided the search, along with dive teams from Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire, and search and rescue teams from Kent and West Mercia.

Ms Kerr said: “While the weather conditions do make the search more difficult for us, this will absolutely not stop our dedicated and specialist teams at the scene from doing everything they can.

“Specialist officers continue to provide full support to the family and our thoughts very much remain with them. I thank them for their bravery, their support and co-operation with us at this extremely traumatic time.

“I would also like to add that following the appeal we issued on Monday evening for witnesses, we have had a large number of responses and have identified a number of people who were in the area at the time who have provided us with information.

“Thank you to everyone who has made contact with us and helped us with our inquiries.”

Police have repeated calls to the public to stay away from the search area on safety grounds.

Anyone else with information should call police on 101.