UK Authorities are on the hunt for a two-year-old Zimbabwean boy who went missing after falling into a river in Leicester.
Police in the United Kingdom have identified the toddler as Xielo Maruziva. He slipped into the River Soar in Leicester’s Aylestone area on Sunday evening. He was with his family when he fell from a footbridge into the river, which was flooded due to heavy rain.
His father jumped into the water to try to rescue him, but was unsuccessful. The search for him, now in its fourth day, has faced challenges due to bad weather.
Described by his family as “a bundle of joy,” Xielo’s disappearance has devastated his loved ones. His mother fondly remembers him as “a cheeky, funny, friendly, smart, caring, and independent little boy” who brings laughter and smiles to their lives. Expressing the family’s anguish, she said:
“Me, his dad and the whole family are so heartbroken at what has happened. All we want is for Xielo to be found as soon as possible.”
His father described Xielo as “charming and creative,” highlighting his love for cuddles, toys, and visits to the park. He told the BBC:
“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.”
UK Police Assistant Chief Constable Michaela Kerr acknowledged the challenges posed by adverse weather conditions but affirmed the unwavering commitment of search teams. Despite the difficulties, they remain dedicated to the mission of finding Xielo. Kerr expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from various agencies and communities.
The search operation has seen collaboration from multiple agencies, including the UK’s Metropolitan Police’s marine recovery dogs, Kent and West Mercia forces rescue teams, and the National Police Air Service. Specialised equipment, such as night-vision goggles and drone units, has been deployed to aid in the search, even during nighttime hours. The Environment Agency has also provided crucial support with mapping equipment to identify key search areas.
Source iHarare
