URGENT SEARCH Missing boy, 2, ‘falls’ in River Soar ‘while out with family’ as man hospitalised & major search launched in Leicester
A MISSING two-year-old boy fell into a river while out with his family, cops say.
A major search operation has been launched after the toddler ended up in Leicestershire's River Soar shortly before 5pm on Sunday.
The tot's loved ones were said to have leapt into the waterway to try to rescue him, but were unable to.
Water rescue teams and emergency services then raced to the river after getting frantic calls.
A man was also taken to hospital after the horror incident as a "precautionary measure".
Police suspended the search last night and said they would resume work first thing this morning.
Cops were still at the scene in the hours that followed and said their search is ongoing.
An Environment Agency flood alert is currently in place for the River Soar, "as a result of persistent heavy rainfall".
Police have also warned people do not go near the scene "due to rising water levels and safety risks".
Local Alison Clay said she had been walking her dog when she noticed emergency services swarming the river.
She told BBC: "A helicopter was flying around after 5pm and lots of emergency vehicles soon came.
"There's a drone in the sky still now. I only know what I've read on Facebook but it sounds terrible."
Another resident said they'd been stopped from going down near the river this evening, adding: "The parents must be absolutely beside themselves."
Leicestershire Police initially said the boy was three, but have since confirmed he was two.
The force said at 10.30pm: "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.
"A man was taken to hospital as a precautionary measure.
"The operation is ongoing and will continue with additional specialist teams in the morning."
Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service said around 8pm: "This is a police-led incident.
"We can confirm we were alerted at 17:05 and still have water rescue teams at the scene."
Footage captured this evening showed police had taped off Braunstone Lane East, while a helicopter could also be seen flying overhead.
Fire crews could also be seen nearby.
Police added: "The child’s family are being supported by specialist officers and 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.
"Specialist teams are on standby to respond to any information received.
"If you need to get in touch, please contact 999 quoting incident 476:180224."
Police's full statement:
Earlier this evening (Sunday 18 February) 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.
A man was taken to hospital as a precautionary measure.
The operation is ongoing and will continue with additional specialist teams in the morning.
The child’s family are being supported by specialist officers and 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.
Specialist teams are on standby to respond to any information received.
If you need to get in touch, please contact 999 quoting incident 476:180224.
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