A body has been pulled out of a river months after two-year-old Xielo Maruziva fell into the River Soar in Leicestershire.
The toddler fell into the river on Sunday, February 18, near Marsden Lane in Braunstone.
His father, who dived into the water to try and save him, was taken to hospital as a precautionary measure.
Despite a frantic search by those at the scene alongside specialist divers, they could not find Xielo.
Now a body has been found by workers in Aylestone Meadows near River Soar, Leicestershire Police said.
The boy’s devastated family described him previously when the search continued as a ‘cheeky, funny boy’ who is a ‘bundle of joy.’
The body has been recovered and formal identification will take place.
Xielo’s mum said previously as she paid tribute to her son and thanked members of the community: ‘Xielo is a cheeky, funny, friendly, smart, caring and independent little boy. He never fails to make me laugh or smile and always loves a cuddle and some kisses.
‘Xielo loves playing with his toys and watching cartoons including Bino and Fino.
Timeline of search for Xielo
- February 18 – unnamed two-year-old boy fell into the River Soar at Aylestone Meadows. A search was launched.
- February 19 – specialist teams join the search
- February 21 – Xielo Maruziva, described by his family as a ‘bundle of joy’, is named as the boy who fell into the water.
- February 26 – A private search team which helped to look for Nicola Bulley join the operation.
- March 21 – the search for Xielo is scaled back.
- June 6 – police searching for Xielo recover a body from the River Soar
‘Me, his dad and the whole family are so heartbroken at what has happened. We thank everyone who has supported us and helped us during this time. We are extremely grateful for this.
‘All we want is for Xielo to be found as soon as possible. Thank you.’
His dad said the ‘creative little boy’ had just started nursery when the tragedy happened.
‘He loves cuddles, playing with his toys and going to the park,’ he said.
‘As a family we have been completely devastated over the past few days as the search for Xielo continues. It is hard to describe the pain and suffering we are going through.
‘We would like to thank the search teams at the scene. We would also like to thank members of the public for all of your support. It is your prayers which are keeping us strong.’
Assistant Chief Constable Michaela Kerr said: ‘This is devastating news and our thoughts are with Xielo’s family. We are so sorry to bring them this news which we were all dreading and our full support is being provided 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 provided to the workers who were in the area of Aylestone Meadows this morning and I want to thank them for their support and co-operation in the most horrendous and unimaginable circumstances.’
This is a developing news story, more to follow soon… Check back shortly for further updates.
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