COPS have begged ramblers and kayakers to “stay away” from the river where toddler Xielo Maruziva vanished.
The search for two-year-old Xielo will soon enter its second week as police continue to scour the River Soar in Leicester.
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Police teams and specialist searches are now into their seventh day as the toddler remains missing.
Leicestershire Police have now asked the public to stay off the water surrounding Aylestone Meadows in a “plea” on social media this morning.
The force along with other specialist teams said that anyone on a “kayak” also needs to steer clear.
The latest statement from Leicestershire Police read: “This is a plea from Leicestershire Police our search teams are still actively looking for the missing boy.
“Therefore we ask members of the public to stay off the water surrounding Aylestone Meadows that includes members of the public on Kayaks. Thank you.”
Bad weather has severely hampered searches over the past week.
But cops have still been at the scene in Aylestone after Xielo fell into the River Soar at around 5pm on Sunday February 18.
His family released a heartbreaking statement to their “cheeky, funny” boy on Wednesday.
Xielo’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.”
The toddler’s dad, who jumped into the water in a desperate bid to rescue his son, described Xielo as a “bundle of joy”.
He told how the “charming and creative little boy” who loves cuddles and going to the park has just started nursery.
The dad added: “As a family we have been completely devastated over the past few days as the search for Xielo continues.
“It is hard to describe the pain and suffering we are going through.”
DESPERATE SEARCH
Cops this week discovered CCTV showing him Xielo falling into the water while out with his family last Sunday.
His dad was taken to hospital as a precaution after jumping into the river while the search for the toddler continues.
Water rescue teams and emergency services raced to the river in the Aylestone Meadows after getting frantic calls
Cops have urged people not to attend the scene over fears of rising water levels and safety risks.
It came after they received a number of requests to offer support in the search operation.
Extra police and emergency resources have been drafted in to help the search.
Leicestershire Police’s assistant chief constable, Michaela Kerr said the force would “endeavour” to keep everyone updated if there were any developments over the weekend.
ACC Kerr called the situation “your worst possible nightmare” earlier in the week.
Leicestershire Police initially said the boy was three, before confirming he was two.
At 10.30pm on the day of the incident the force said: “Earlier this evening officers were called to the River Soar in Leicester after reports of a child falling into the water.
“The child, a two-year-old boy, was with family when he fell into the river, sadly despite the best efforts of those at the scene at the time the child was not located.
“Emergency services attended the scene just after 5pm and a search and rescue operation began in Aylestone Meadows, close to Marsden Lane.
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“A man was taken to hospital as a precautionary measure.
“The operation is ongoing and will continue with additional specialist teams in the morning.”
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