Leicester river soar search newest: CCTV shows missing boy fall into water as bad weather ‘hampers’ police hunt

A Leicestershire Police spokeswoman confirmed an operational replace is anticipated later this afternoon on the hunt for the missing 2-year-old.

Asked if the weather was affecting the search, she confirmed it was hampering rescue efforts on the River Soar.

Heavy rain has precipitated rising waters across the nature reserve police are looking. Parts of Aylestone Meadows stay flooded.

In its newest forecast, the Met Office has mentioned “heavy rain” is anticipated till 2pm at present throughout Leicester.

Confirming that the incident continues to be being handled as a missing particular person inquiry, Leicestershire Police Assistant Chief Constable Michaela Kerr mentioned: “We have got nothing to suggest anything other than this is a tragic set of circumstances.”

The senior officer mentioned marine restoration canine have been now concerned within the searches, whereas a drone unit can be helping the operation.

Ms Kerr added: “We have had tremendous support from the local community, and we thank everyone who has assisted with our enquiries.

“This is an extremely difficult time for the family, our thoughts are very much with them, and we continue to support them.

“A number of teams from across the force and region have assisted us during this operation and our priority remains to locate the young boy.”

The search operation continues for a two-year-old boy who fell into the River Soar in Aylestone Meadows, near Marsden Lane, in Leicester, on Sunday afternoon.

Sergeant Chris Haines, main the search of River Soar, says his groups cleared an enormous space “to a high assurance level” yesterday with floor and sonar searches beginning once more this morning.

He warned locals to steer clear of the swollen river including his groups have been working to a strict plan.

He added: “I know it is an emotive subject and people want to help but please leave it to us and don’t put yourself at risk.”

From enquiries carried out thus far police have obtained CCTV footage which they consider shows the younger boy falling into the water on Sunday.

A Leicestershire Police spokesman mentioned: “Yesterday we issued an appeal for people who were in the area during Sunday evening and in particular a dog walker who spoke to officers.

“We have had a great response from the public and our enquiries are continuing.”

Assistant Chief Constable Michaela Kerr is leading the police operation. She said: “We have had tremendous support from the local community, and we thank everyone who has assisted with our enquiries.

“This is an extremely difficult time for the family, our thoughts are very much with them, and we continue to support them.

“A number of teams from across the force and region have assisted us during this operation and our priority remains to locate the young boy. Thank you to all our officers and specialist teams who continue to work extremely hard at the scene in what are very difficult circumstance for everyone involved.”

Rising water levels on the River Soar have made searching for the missing two-year-old boy difficult, Leicestershire Police said.

Assistant Chief Constable Michaela Kerr, who is leading the police operation, said specialist diving teams had been deployed to help find the toddler.

“Rising water levels made the searches difficult, however we used the resources available to us including NPAS to try and locate the boy,” she said.

“This morning additional specialist teams including dive teams from Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire Police are being deployed to the scene.”

Leicestershire Police say they have obtained CCTV footage officers believe shows the boy falling into the River Soar.

It comes as the force steps up its search with Kent and West Mercia Police Search and Rescue team and the Metropolitan Police Marine Recovery dogs called into find the boy who fell into the water on Sunday.

A spokesperson said: “From enquiries conducted so far and from studying CCTV from the local area we have obtained footage which we believe shows the young boy falling into the water.”

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.

She said a helicopter had initially flown over the area for around an hour after reports a two-year-old child had fallen in the river.

The resident told reporters: “It seemed to be there for a long time hovering.

“It felt as if it was above my house. The lights were on and it didn’t transfer for about an hour or so.”

The lady, who walks repeatedly within the space, mentioned a close-by canal and the river generally “go into one” throughout peak flooding durations.

“It’s fast-flowing,” she mentioned of present situations. “It’s been quite bad.

“It’s devastating to think how they (family members) must be feeling.”