“Urgent Appeal for Dog Walker as Toddler Falls into River Soar: Emergency Search Underway”
Leicestershire Police have issued a heartfelt plea to a dog walker who may hold a clue to the disappearance of a two-year-old boy who fell into the River Soar, sparking a desperate rescue operation by the boy’s father. The tragedy has seen the Aylestone Meadows area become the focus of a massive search effort, spanning the river and nearby flooded fields. Here’s everything we know about the ongoing investigation.
A Near-Disaster on the River Soar
Details of the incident began to emerge after a family visit to the River Soar took a horrifying turn, with the toddler ending up in the fast-flowing waters of the river. Specialist teams have since been combing through the area, but as the search enters its second day, police are reaching out to potential witnesses who may be able to shed more light on the situation.
Call for a Hero Dog Walker
Leicestershire Police are now on a desperate mission to locate any witnesses who were in the vicinity of the river at around 5 pm on Sunday evening. An appeal has specifically been made for a dog walker who was spotted near Packhorse Bridge, with authorities urging them to come forward and share any information they may have. The police have also asked for individuals who previously provided information to get back in touch to ensure all details are fully accounted for.
Search Continues as Dad and Rescue Crews Brave the River
Despite heroic efforts by the boy’s father to save him from the river, the toddler remains missing, leading to an extensive search. The authorities have impressed upon the public the importance of staying clear of the area to allow the specialized emergency teams to focus on their vital task.
Reinforced Resources and Specialized Efforts
Leicestershire Police have intensified their search and have stated their unwavering commitment to locating the missing child. Specialized resources and techniques are being deployed, including divers, aerial technology, and a range of emergency personnel. Assistant Chief Constable Michaela Kerr has appealed to members of the public to avoid attempting their own searches, citing the dangerous and skill-intensive conditions.
Heightened Search Efforts
Efforts to locate the child intensified as night fell, with specialist teams, canine units and diving crews joining the search, while the River Soar and flooded fields pose significant challenges due to increased water levels from recent heavy rainfall.
Ongoing Support and Information Gathering
The boy’s family, emergency teams, and the wider community continue to offer support as the search persists, and the public has been urged to come forward with any information related to the incident. The police can be reached on 101 by quoting incident 476 of 18 February.
The Ominous Impact of Heavy Rainfall
The recent spate of heavy rainfall has caused the River Soar to flood, complicating the search efforts as authorities collaborate with the fire and rescue services, drone units, and other support teams to navigate the challenging water and weather conditions.
Conclusion
In the midst of this harrowing ordeal, the Leicestershire Police remain resolute in locating the missing toddler and reuniting him with his family, with the search operation continuing vigorously as specialized units deploy every available resource to ensure a positive outcome.