A body has been found in the search for a two-year-old boy, who fell into the River Soar in February.

Leicestershire Police said the body was discovered on Thursday morning in the area of Aylestone Meadows near the river, after work was carried out.

The search had been launched to find Xielo Maruziva after the force received reports that the child, who was with family members, fell into the water on 18 February in Aylestone Meadows, close to Marsden Lane, Leicester.

The force has been supported by specialist diving teams from Nottinghamshire Police and Lincolnshire Police, and search and rescue teams from across the region and country.

Leicestershire Police said in a statement on Thursday that formal identification is yet to take place but the coroner has been told and Xielo’s family are being supported by specialist officers.

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.”

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Ms Kerr thanked everyone involved in the search, as well as the community and wider members of the public.

Xielo’s parents described their son as a “cheeky, funny” boy who is “a bundle of joy”.

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