A tragic discovery has been made in the search for two-year-old Xielo Maruziva, who tragically fell into the River Soar at Aylestone Meadows in Leicester. The nature reserve is currently swarming with police, with cordons blocking access to a large portion of the meadows, including Pebble Beach.

       On Sunday, February 18, Xielo was walking along the towpath of the River Soar at Marsden Lane with his family when he tragically fell into the water. This sparked an immediate and extensive search by the police, which was described as one of the most complex they have ever undertaken.

       Despite weeks of searching, there was no success and the search was scaled back on Thursday, March 21.

       In a statement released this evening, a spokesperson for the police said: "A body has been found in the search for two-year-old Xielo Maruziva, who fell into the River Soar on Sunday, February 18. The body was discovered earlier this morning (Thursday) by workers in the area of Aylestone Meadows near the River Soar."

       "The body has been recovered and formal identification will now take place. Specialist officers are providing support to Xielo's family. HM Coroner has been informed."

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       Assistant Chief Constable Michaela Kerr expressed her condolences, saying: "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."

       ACC Kerr added: "Thank you to everyone who has been involved in the search for Xielo for your dedicated work in extremely traumatic circumstances and an extremely complex search. Thank you also to our communities and wider members of the public for your continued support."