Tributes left after body of missing Xielo found

Flowers and other tributes
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An inquest has been opened and adjourned, coroners confirmed

  • Published

Tributes have been left at the site where the body of a two-year-old boy who fell into a river was found.

Flowers, cuddly toys and balloons have been placed at the bridge near Pebble Beach in Aylestone Meadows nature reserve, Leicestershire, where Xielo Maruziva was discovered on Thursday.

Police said the toddler's body was found by workmen nearly four months after he fell into the River Soar, near Marsden Lane in Aylestone.

One message left at the scene said Xielo was now "with all the the other little angels".

Image source, Supplied
Image caption,

Police said the search for Xielo had been "extremely complex"

Leicester Coroners Court confirmed the boy's inquest had been opened and adjourned.

An extensive search was launched after Xielo fell into the water while on a walk with his family on 18 February.

Assistant Chief Constable Michaela Kerr, of Leicestershire Police, described Xielo's death as "devastating" and "tragic".

Speaking on Monday, she said: "I know this news has affected so many of us and again I want to pass on my thanks to everyone who has been involved in the search for Xielo for your dedicated work in extremely traumatic circumstances and an extremely complex search."

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Police have thanked the community for its support in "tragic circumstances"

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