The family of toddler Xielo Maruziva who fell into the river says police shunned help from expert search team

THE family of toddler Xielo Maruziva – missing after falling into a river – claim police shunned an offer of help from an expert search team.

Special Group International, who joined the hunt for mom Nicola Bulley a year ago, offered his services for free to police officers looking for Xielo, two, for a week.

Xielo Maruziva went missing after falling into a riverCredit: PA

Search teams are still scouring the area for the missing boyCredit: SWNS

Police have pleaded with people to 'stay away' from the site where he disappeared — Police have pleaded with people to ‘stay away’ from the site where he disappearedCredit: PA

But boss Peter Faulding says it has not been addressed.

Xielo’Garnet Marie Smith said: “The way we have been treated is unacceptable.”

“We are shocked by this response to a desperate family in the grip of despair, heartbroken by our unimaginable loss, yet unable to grieve.

“We are not being supported in an appropriate, professional or compassionate way and Leicestershire Police and the public need to hear this from us.”

Marie added: “Since Wednesday, our family has asked SGI to supplement the search efforts.

Xielo was dragged into it Leicester’s River Soar while with his family last Sunday.

Nicholas, 45, was found accidentally drowned in January 2023 after walking her dog at the Wyre in Lancs.

Faulding was criticized in the Nicholas yacht after saying she was “unlikely to be in the river”.

Leicestershire Police Assistant Chief Constable Michaela Kerr has urged the public to stay away from the search area.