Search for two-year-old who fell into the River Soar enters fourth week

Xielo Maruziva was reported to have fallen into the river in the Marsden Lane area of Aylestone Meadows at around 5 pm on Sunday 18 February.

More than 200 officers have been involved in the operation and assisted by five specialist search and rescue teams from across the country who have provided more than 2,000 hours voluntarily in the search to find Xielo.

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.

“We do of course continue to support Xielo’s family at this most painful time and to keep them updated on our search. I want to thank them for their bravery and their support to us throughout the last three weeks.

“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.

"Our priority always has been and remains to find Xielo and to support his family.

“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. Thank you. We will of course continue to keep you updated with any significant developments as we continue to move forward in our search.”