Body found in search of two-year-old boy who fell into river in Leicester

A body has been found in the search for two-year-old Xielo Maruziva, who fell into the River Soar in February, Leicestershire Police said.

A search was launched to find Xielo after Leicestershire Police received information that the little boy, who was with family members, fell into the water on February 18 in Aylestone Meadows, off Marsden Lane, Leicester.

The body was found in the Aylestone Meadows area near the river on Thursday morning after work was carried out.

Formal identification has not yet taken place but the coroner has been informed and Xielo’s family are being supported by specialist officers, the force said.

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

“We are very sorry to break the news we have all been dreading, and our full support goes out to them at this most difficult time.

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

“Also, the workers who were in the Aylestone Meadows area this morning are being fully supported and I want to thank them for their support and co-operation in the most appalling and unimaginable circumstances.”

Ms Kerr thanked everyone involved in the search, as well as the community and wider members of the public.