THE tragic hunt for a toddler who fell into a river is entering its third week – with cops dubbing it their “most complex” search ever.
Xielo Maruziva, two, slipped into the River Soar on February 18, with his dad desperately leaping in to try to save him.
Devastatingly, despite extensive searches of the swollen waterway, the tot hasn’t been seen since.
Last week specialist divers who helped in the hunt to find missing mum Nicola Bulley joined the major search.
Specialist Group International (SGI) – headed by expert diver Peter Faulding – will continue to trawl the water this week alongside dozens of others.
In recent days and weeks parts of the river have been surrounded by swarms of cops, while experts scour the waterway.
Leicestershire Police’s Assistant Chief Constable Michaela Kerr had dubbed the search one of the “most complex” they’d ever faced.
The top cop said: “This is a devastating and tragic incident and I have been moved and inspired by the commitment, skill and compassion that has gone into searching for this little boy in very difficult circumstances.
“This has been, without doubt, one of the most complex search operations conducted in the most challenging of conditions experienced by policing in the UK.”
Last week specialist diver Faulding revealed young Xielo’s family had called him and begged for help to find their boy.
He said: “The family pleaded with me to help them search. I said I’d do it free of charge.
“We’ve got the best equipment in the world, and I’ve got an untarnished reputation for finding 10 drowning victims per year.”
Faulding had been called in when Nicola Bulley vanished while walking her dog at St Michael’s on Wyre, Lancashire last year.
Cops found her body three weeks later, and an inquest found she had died from drowning.
In the days after young Xielo vanished in the river, his loved ones put out a heartbreaking statement.
The tot’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.
Sunday, February 18 – A then-unnamed two-year-old boy fell into the River Soar at Aylestone Meadows. A search was launched by emergency services.
Monday, February 19 – Specialist teams from police forces across the country join the major hunt.
Wednesday, February 21 – Xielo Maruziva is named as the boy who fell into the water. His family call him a “bundle of joy”.
Monday, February 26 – Following calls from Xielo’s family, police announced that a private search team which helped to look for Nicola Bulley will be joining the operation.
Tuesday, February 27 – Search Group International (SGI) joins the search and is seen in Aylestone Meadows
“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.”
Looking ahead to the search this week, Top cop Kerr said it would be a major effort involving dozens of people.
She said: “The next steps in the operation will continue to be informed by excellent advice from our colleagues locally, experts from the search community and the science and analysts available to us.
“We will, of course, continue to support Xielo’s family as we have done since the news of what happened first broke and in turn, I’m extremely grateful for the support that been shown towards us.”
