The “heartbreaking” search for a missing two-year-old boy who fell into a river in Leicester has entered its fourth week.
Xielo Maruziva fell into the River Soar at around 5pm on Sunday 18 February while out with his family in the area of Aylestone Meadows, on the outskirts of the city.
More than 200 police officers have been involved in the search operation, helped by specialist divers, search and rescue teams from around the country and marine recovery dogs.
Experts from Specialist Group International (SGI), the private company involved in the search for Nicola Bulley, joined the operation, last week.
Leicestershire Police Assistant Chief Constable Michaela Kerr said: “To be entering our fourth week of searching for Xielo without being able to locate him and return him to his family despite all the team’s efforts is heartbreaking.
“I know that the determination to find him is felt by all who have been involved in the search over the past three weeks, in all conditions, and we are all desperately trying to find answers for little Xielo’s family.”
Police previously said they had CCTV footage which they believed shows the moment Xielo fell into the water.
Underwater experts involved in Nicola Bulley case to join search for two-year-old boy in Leicester
Police in Leicester name boy, 2, who fell into river
Police in Leicester say they have seen CCTV footage showing moment two-year-old boy fell into river
His father went in to try to rescue his son and was taken to hospital as a precaution, but has since been discharged.
Xielo’s parents described him as a “cheeky, funny” boy who is “a bundle of joy”.
“Me, his dad and the whole family are so heartbroken at what has happened,” his mother said.
“All we want is for Xielo to be found as soon as possible.”
ACC Kerr thanked Xielo’s family for their “bravery and their support” over the last three weeks.
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“Our search for Xielo is continuing with specialist teams at the scene and our tactics and strategies continue to be reviewed as we move forward,” she said.
“I continue to thank everyone involved so far – to the teams involved in the search for your professionalism, dedication and commitment, and to the local community and wider public for your continued support and for coming together at this desperately sad time.”
