FIND XEILO
Hunt for toddler who fell in River Soar enters 3rd week as Nicola Bulley ‘experts’ join cops’ ‘most complex’ search EVER
Dive experts have been scouring the waterway since the tot vanished
THE tragic hunt for a toddler who fell into a river is entering its third week - with cops dubbing it one of their "most complex" searches ever.
Xielo Maruziva, two, slipped into the River Soar on February 18, with his dad desperately leaping in to try to save him.
6
6
6
6
Devastatingly, despite extensive searches of the swollen waterway, the tot hasn't been seen since.
Last week specialist divers who helped in the hunt to find missing mum Nicola Bulley joined the major search.
Specialist Group International (SGI) - headed by expert diver Peter Faulding - will continue to trawl the water this week alongside dozens of others.
In recent days and weeks parts of the river in the Aylestone Meadows area of Leicester have been surrounded by swarms of cops, while experts scour the waterway.
Read more on UK news
Leicestershire Police’s Assistant Chief Constable Michaela Kerr had dubbed the search one of the “most complex” they’d ever faced.
The top cop said: “This is a devastating and tragic incident and I have been moved and inspired by the commitment, skill and compassion that has gone into searching for this little boy in very difficult circumstances.
"This has been, without doubt, one of the most complex search operations conducted in the most challenging of conditions experienced by policing in the UK.”
Last week specialist diver Faulding revealed young Xielo's family had called him and begged for help to find their boy.
Most read in The Sun
He said: "The family pleaded with me to help them search. I said I'd do it free of charge.
"We've got the best equipment in the world, and I've got an untarnished reputation for finding 10 drowning victims per year."
Major search launched after two-year-old boy falls into River Soar in Leicestershire
Faulding had been called in when Nicola Bulley vanished while walking her dog at St Michael's on Wyre, Lancashire last year.
Cops found her body three weeks later, and an inquest found she had died from drowning.
Timeline of tragedy
Sunday, February 18 - A then-unnamed two-year-old boy fell into the River Soar at Aylestone Meadows. A search was launched by emergency services.
Monday, February 19 - Specialist teams from police forces across the country join the major hunt.
Wednesday, February 21 - Xielo Maruziva is named as the boy who fell into the water. His family call him a “bundle of joy”.
Monday, February 26 - Following calls from Xielo’s family, police announced that a private search team which helped to look for Nicola Bulley will be joining the operation.
Tuesday, February 27 - Search Group International (SGI) joins the search and is seen in Aylestone Meadows
In the days after young Xielo vanished in the river, his loved ones put out a heartbreaking statement.
The tot'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.
“All we want is for Xielo to be found as soon as possible. Thank you.”
Looking ahead to the search this week, top cop Kerr said it would be a major effort involving dozens of people.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
She said: “The next steps in the operation will continue to be informed by excellent advice from our colleagues locally, experts from the search community and the science and analysts available to us.
"We will, of course, continue to support Xielo’s family as we have done since the news of what happened first broke and in turn, I’m extremely grateful for the support that been shown towards us.”
6
6
Topics