Body found in search for missing toddler Xielo Maruziva who disappeared in a river nearly four months ago

Police searching for a missing two-year-old boy who disappeared four months ago after falling into a river have found a body.

Xielo Maruziva disappeared after falling into the River Soar while walking with his family at Aylestone Meadows Nature Reserve, Leicester, at around 5pm on Sunday, February 18.

Days later, a large-scale operation was launched to locate the youngster, with police forces from across the UK sending specialist teams to help.

But the search was scaled back a month later after officers failed to find any trace of the toddler. Leicester Police said they would continue to search for Xielo, but “additional resources” from across the UK would no longer be on the scene.

In a statement this evening, police said a body had been discovered during the search and formal identification was now taking place.

Xielo Maruziva, 2, fell into the River Soar in the area near Aylestone in Leicestershire on February 18 while walking with relatives

Experts from Specialist Group International (SGI) will join the search operation on the River Soar in February this year

A police diver from Nottinghamshire Police’s underwater search team searches the River Soar in February

It added: ‘The body was found earlier this morning after workers carried out work in the Aylestone Meadows area near the River Soar.

‘The body has been recovered and formal identification will now take place.

‘Specialist officers are providing support to Xielo’s family. HM Coroner has been informed.’

Assistant Chief Constable Michaela Kerr said: “This is devastating news and our thoughts are with Xielo’s family.

‘We are so sorry to have to deliver this news to them that we have all been dreading and our full support is extended to them at this most difficult time.

‘Formal identification will now take place and we ask that the family’s privacy is respected at this time.

‘Full support is also being extended to the workers who were in the Aylestone Meadows area this morning and I would like to thank them for their support and co-operation in the most appalling and unimaginable circumstances.’

ACC Kerr added: ‘Thank you to everyone involved in the search for Xielo for your dedicated work in extremely traumatic circumstances and an extremely complex search. Thank you also to our communities and wider members of the public for your continued support.”

Experts from SGI travel along the river in February in search of the missing two-year-old

Peter Faulding (right), CEO of private underwater search and salvage company Specialist Group International (SGI), joined the search in February

After Xielo went missing, his family described him as a “bundle of joy” and thanked community members for their continued support.

In a statement from Leicestershire Police, his mother, whose name has not been released, said: ‘Xielo is a cheeky, funny, friendly, smart, caring and independent little boy.

‘He always makes me smile or laugh and always likes a cuddle and a few kisses.

‘Xielo likes to play with his toys and watches cartoons by 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.’

Xielo’s father, whose first name was also not released, added: “Xielo is a bundle of joy to us.

‘He is a charming and creative boy and has just started at daycare. He loves to cuddle, play with his toys and go to the park.

“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.

‘We would like to thank the search teams on site. We would also like to thank the public for all your support. It is your prayers that keep us strong.”

The specialist search team carried out the operation in Leicester in February

Teams were seen scouring the river in boats and diving gear early in February

The father jumped into the river to save Xielo and had to be taken to hospital.

He added: ‘We kindly ask people to wait for updates from authorities regarding the search as we are still overwhelmed with inquiries and messages at this time.

“Thank you all for your continued love and support.”

Specialist police dive teams from Lincs and Notts joined the search after Xielo disappeared, while the Kent and West Mercia Police Search and Rescue Team and Metropolitan Police Marine Recovery dogs also joined the operation, along with the National Police Air Service (NPAS) and drone units. .