Police plead with hikers and kayakers to stay away from river where toddler Xielo Maruziva disappeared as search enters second week – The Sun

Police have pleaded with hikers and kayakers to ‘stay away’ from the river where toddler Xielo Maruziva disappeared.

The search for two-year-old Xielo will soon enter its second week Police continue crossing the River Soar Leicester.

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Police teams and specialist searches have now entered their seventh day as the toddler remains missing.

Leicestershire Police have now asked the public to stay out of the water around Aylestone Meadows in a “plea” on social media this morning.

The force, along with other specialist teams, said anyone on a “kayak” should also stay clear.

The latest statement from Leicestershire Police read: “This is a plea from Leicestershire Police. Our search teams are still actively looking for the missing boy.

“We are therefore asking the public to stay away from the water surrounding Aylestone Meadows, which includes the public on Kayaks. Thank you.”

Bad weather has seriously hampered search efforts over the past week.

But police are still on the scene in Aylestone after Xielo fell into the River Soar at around 5pm on Sunday, February 18.

His family released a heartbreaking statement to their “cheeky, funny” boy on Wednesday.

Xielo’s mother said: “Xielo is a cheeky, funny, friendly, smart, caring and independent little boy. He always makes me laugh or smile and always loves cuddles and some kisses.

“Xielo likes to play with his toys and watch cartoons from Bino and Fino, among others.

“Me, his father and the whole family are so heartbroken by what happened. We thank everyone who has supported and helped us during this time. We are extremely grateful for this.

“All we want is for Xielo to be found as quickly as possible. Thank you.”

The toddler’s father, who jumped into the water in a desperate bid to save his son, described Xielo as a “bundle of joy”.

He told how the ‘charming and creative little boy’, who loves to cuddle and go to the park, has just started nursery.

The father added: “As a family we have been completely devastated in recent days as the search for Xielo continues.

“It is difficult to describe the pain and suffering we are going through.”

Desperate searching

Police discovered CCTV footage this week showing Xielo falling into the water last Sunday while out with his family.

His father was taken to hospital as a precaution after jumping into the river as the search for the toddler continued.

Water rescue teams and emergency services rushed to the river at Aylestone Meadows after receiving panicked calls

Police have urged people not to visit the scene due to fears of rising water levels and safety risks.

This came after they received a number of requests to provide support in the search.

Additional police and emergency services have been deployed to support the search.

Leicestershire Police Assistant Chief Constable Michaela Kerr said police would “try” to keep everyone informed if any developments occurred this weekend.

ACC Kerr earlier this week called the situation “your worst possible nightmare”.

Leicestershire Police initially said the boy was three, before confirming he was two.

At 10.30pm on the day of the incident, police said: “Earlier this evening officers were called to the River Soar in Leicester after reports that a child fell into the water.

“The child, a two-year-old boy, was with family when he fell into the river, unfortunately despite the best efforts of those on the scene at the time the child was not located.

“Emergency services arrived at the scene just after 5pm and a search and rescue operation began in Aylestone Meadows, near Marsden Lane.

“A man has been taken to hospital as a precaution.

“The operation is ongoing and will continue tomorrow morning with additional specialist teams.”

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