Police urge dog-walker to come forward as hunt for boy, 2, who fell into River Soar enters third day

20 February 2024, 05:57

Police officers searching for a two-year-old boy who fell into the River Soar have urged a dog walker who was in the area to come forward.

The boy's father went into the water after he fell in near Aylstone in Leicestershire to try to find his son. He later had to be taken to hospital as a precaution.

Sergeant Chris Haines, who is leading the search, said: "Underwater dive teams are doing extensive searches, which they are continuing at present."

Police said they wanted to get in touch with a man seen walking his dog at about 5pm on Sunday who may have seen the incident.

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Investigations as to the circumstances of how the boy fell in the water are in the "very early stages," police said.

The family are being supported by specially trained officers.

Members of the public are being told to stay well away from the "dangerous" flooded area.

Assistant chief constable Michaela Kerr said: "We're confident we will find him - we're doing everything we possibly can.

"For the family, our commitment is absolutely to make sure we bring their little boy home.

"We've got all the specialist resources we would possibly want, I think, in a case like this. Our absolute priority is to find that little boy."

ACC Kerr added: "The child was with a family member at the time he went into the water.

"We do know one person went into the River Soar to try to get the child but sadly we still haven't been able to find the child.'

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service said police are leading the operation with support from multiple other forces and dozens of officers joining the search effort.

Specialist divers and a helicopter equipped with thermal imaging cameras have also joined the search, police said today.

Emergency services attended the scene just after 5pm yesterday and a search and rescue operation began in Aylestone Meadows, close to Marsden Lane, a tow path that runs alongside the River Soar.

Leicestershire Police said yesterday: "Our thoughts are with them at this extremely difficult time.

"We have had a number of offers of support to assist with the search and would kindly ask that people do not attend the scene due to rising water levels and safety risks.

"If anyone has any information or comes across anything that may assist officers, they are asked to contact us immediately."

People are asked to contact 999 with information quoting incident 476:180224.