'BUNDLE OF JOY'
Toddler Xielo Maruziva who fell into river seen smiling in heartbreaking pic as hunt continues with family ‘devastated’
Youngster's dad heroically jumped into fast-flowing river to try to rescue son
A TODDLER who fell into a fast-flowing river while out with his family has been pictured beaming at the camera in Spiderman pyjamas.
Specialist divers are continuing to search for two-year-old Xielo Maruziva following the horror in Leicester on Sunday.
3
3
His family today released a heartbreaking statement to their "cheeky, funny" boy.
Xielo's mum said: "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.
“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.
Read more on the search
“All we want is for Xielo to be found as soon as possible. Thank you.”
The toddler's dad, who jumped into the water in a desperate bid to rescue his son, described Xielo as a "bundle of joy".
He told how the "charming and creative little boy" who loves cuddles and going to the park has just started nursery.
The dad added: "As a family we have been completely devastated over the past few days as the search for Xielo continues.
Most read in The Sun
"It is hard to describe the pain and suffering we are going through."
The search for Xielo today reached its fourth day as police continue to scour the swollen River Soar.
Desperate search
Specialist officers are also looking at flooded fields nearby, with their heroic efforts dampened by the weather.
The public have been urged to keep away from the water to allow the teams to do their job.
Extra police and emergency resources have been drafted in to help the search.
Assistant Chief Constable Michaela Kerr said: "Specialist officers continue to provide full support to the family and our thoughts very much remain with them. I thank them for their bravery, their support and co-operation with us at this extremely traumatic time.
“I would also like to add that following the appeal we issued on Monday evening for witnesses, we have had a large number of responses and have identified a number of people who were in the area at the time who have provided us with information.
“While the weather conditions today do make the search more difficult for us, this will absolutely not stop our dedicated and specialist teams at the scene from doing everything they can.
"Our search operation today does very much remain ongoing.”
READ MORE SUN STORIES
Anyone with information can call police on 101 quoting incident 476 of 18 February.
3
Topics