The two-year-old boy who is believed to have fallen into a river while on a family walk has been named as Xielo Maruziva.
Specialist diving teams have been scouring the River Soar in Leicestershire after Xielo reportedly fell into the water in the Aylestone Meadows area on Sunday afternoon.
His family has described Xielo as a ‘cheeky, funny boy’ who is a ‘bundle of joy’ as the search continues.
Earlier today, Assistant Chief Constable Michaela Kerr said the search faced ‘difficulties’ due to today’s weather conditions, but their priority remains is still to find the missing boy.
She added: ‘While the weather conditions today 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. Our search operation today does very much remain ongoing.’
Since Sunday numerous teams from across the country have assisted in the operation including specialist diving teams from Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire.
The National Police Air Service (NPAS) and drone unit continue to support officers on the ground.
Kent and West Mercia Police Search and Rescue team and the Metropolitan Police Marine Recovery dogs joined the operation yesterday.
The Environment Agency has also supported the operation with their specialist mapping equipment which helped officers to identify key search areas.
Officers continue to ask that, for safety reasons and due to rising water levels, people do not approach the scene themselves.
Xielo’s parents have paid tribute to their son, while thanking members of the community for their ongoing support.
Xielo’s mum said: ‘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 including Bino and Fino.
‘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. Thank you.’
His dad added: ‘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.
‘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.
‘We would like to thank the search teams at the scene. We would also like to thank members of the public for all of your support. It is your prayers which are keeping us strong.
‘We kindly ask that people wait for updates through the authorities in relation to the search as we continue to be overwhelmed with enquiries and messages at this time. Thank you all for your ongoing love and support.’
This is a developing news story, more to follow soon… Check back shortly for further updates.
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