Toddler falls into the River Soar in Leicester

Police were called to the River Soar in Leicester on Sunday February 18th 2024 after reports of a toddler falling into the water.

The child, a 2-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.

Police say: "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."