Body found in hunt for two-year-old Xielo Maruziva who fell into river
A body has been recovered in the search for a two-year-old boy who fell into a river in Leicester.
Specialist dive teams hunted for Xielo Maruziva after he entered the River Soar while on a trip with his family on 18 February.
Leicestershire Police confirmed a body was found on Thursday morning after workers had been in the area of Aylestone Meadows, near the River Soar.
The body was recovered and formal identification will now take place, the force said.
More than 200 police officers had been involved with the search for the toddler.
But the operation was scaled back after searches drew a blank.
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."
The force has asked for privacy for Xielo's family.
Support is also being provided to the workers in the area of Aylestone Meadows on Thursday morning, ACC Kerr added.
Xielo's mother in a previous statement described him as a "cheeky, funny, friendly, smart, caring and independent little boy".
Xielo's father said his son "loved cuddles, playing with his toys and going to the park".
He had plunged into the water the day he went missing in an attempt to rescue him.
