Leicester: Police try to trace dog walker in search for two-year-old boy who fell into river
Police maintain that the operation remains a "missing child" investigation, rather than a recovery operation, as they continue to search for the boy who fell into the River Soar.
Monday 19 February 2024 21:19, UK
Police searching for a two-year-old boy who fell into a Leicestershire river are trying to trace a dog walker who is believed to have been in the area at the time.
The child was with his family at the Aylestone Meadows local nature reserve, on the outskirts of Leicester, just after 5pm on Sunday, when he fell into the River Soar.
Leicestershire Police said the youngster's father went into the river to try and rescue him, but the boy was not located "despite the best efforts of those at the scene".
Specialist teams including police divers have joined the search operation, and a police helicopter has been deployed to try and locate the child.
Leicestershire Police have also issued an appeal to locate a dog walker who was walking along the footpath near the Packhorse Bridge in the area at the time.
"If this was you, we also ask that you please make contact with us as you may have information which could help us," the force said in a statement.
They have also urged anyone who has spoken to officers at the scene, close to Marsden Lane, in the last day to get back in contact with police so they can confirm their details.
On Monday, Assistant Chief Constable Michaela Kerr said an adult linked to the child had entered the water in an "attempt to try and get the child".
She said the man was taken to hospital as a "precautionary measure", but has now been discharged.
When asked if the adult in question was the child's father, she said: "Yes it is."
The senior officer described the search area as "incredibly difficult" due to significant rainfall and a rise in water levels.
Police said the investigation currently remains a "missing child" investigation, rather than a recovery operation.
She said as a result of the "dangerous" conditions, it was important that members of public don't attempt to carry out any type of search and should refrain from coming to the area.
"It is an awful time for the family, and Leicestershire Police are doing everything to find the child and support the family at this unbelievably difficult time," she said.
"We do know that one person went into the river to try and get the child, but sadly at this time we have not been able to find the child.
"I am confident that we will find him, we are doing everything we possibly can."
A long-standing resident whose home overlooks Aylestone Meadows said flooding from the River Soar in recent weeks had left parts of the nature reserve in a treacherous state.
The woman, who walks regularly in the area, said a nearby canal and the river sometimes "go into one" during peak flooding periods.
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"It's fast flowing," she said of current conditions. "It's been quite bad.
"It's devastating to think how they (family members) must be feeling."
Police have urged anyone with any information that may assist officers to contact the force immediately.