THE family of toddler Xielo Maruziva — missing after falling into a river — claim police shunned an offer of help from an expert search team.
Special Group International, who joined a hunt for mum Nicola Bulley a year ago, offered its services free to cops seeking Xielo, two, for a week.
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But boss Peter Faulding says it was not taken up.
Xielo’s gran Marie Smith said: “The way we’ve been treated is unacceptable.”
“We have been shocked at this response to a desperate family in the grips of despair, heartbroken at our unimaginable loss, yet unable to grieve.
“We are not being supported appropriately, professionally or compassionately and Leicestershire Police and the public need to hear this from us.”
Marie added: “Since Wednesday, our family has been requesting for SGI to supplement the search efforts.
Xielo was swept away in Leicester’s River Soar while with his family last Sunday.
Nicola, 45, was found accidentally drowned in January 2023 after walking her dog by the Wyre in Lancs.
Faulding was criticised in the Nicola hunt after saying she was “unlikely to be in the river”.
Leicestershire Police’s assistant chief constable, Michaela Kerr, has urged the public to stay away from the search area.
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