A MISSING toddler was with his family when he fell into a river this afternoon, police say.
A major search operation has been launched following reports that a two-year-old boy ended up in the River Soar in Leicestershire just before 5pm.
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A major search operation was launched this afternoon on the River Soar in BraunstoneCredit: Leicestermedia
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The two-year-old boy was said to have fallen into the river before 5 p.m. Credit: Leicestermedia
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Rescue teams were still searching the area at around 8pm Credit: Leicestermedia
The child’s loved ones are said to have jumped into the water to try and save him but were unsuccessful.
Water rescue teams and emergency services were then rushed to the river after receiving frantic calls.
A man was also rushed to hospital after the horrific incident as a “precautionary measure”.
Officers were still at the scene in the hours that followed and said the search was ongoing.
Specialized search and rescue teams will be called in tomorrow morning.
An Environment Agency flood warning is currently in place for the River Soar, “as a result of continued heavy rainfall”.
Police also warned people not to approach the scene “due to rising water levels and safety risks”.
Local resident Alison Clay said she was walking her dog when she noticed emergency services swarming the river.
She told the BBC: “The helicopter was flying around after 5pm and soon after many ambulances came.
“The drone is still in the sky. I only know what I read on Facebook, but it sounds terrible.”
Another local said they were stopped from getting off near the river tonight, adding: “The parents must be absolutely beside themselves.”
Leicestershire Police initially said the boy was three, but later confirmed he was two.
Police said at 10.30pm: “Earlier this evening officers were called to the River Soar in Leicester following reports of a child who had fallen into the water.
“The child, a two-year-old boy, was with his family when he fell into the river, unfortunately despite the best efforts of those who were at the scene at the time, the child was not found.
“Emergency services arrived at the scene shortly after 5pm and a search and rescue operation began in Aylestone Meadows, off Marsden Lane.
“One man was taken to the hospital as a precaution.
“The operation is ongoing and will continue with additional specialist teams in the morning.”
Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service said at around 8pm: “This is a police led incident.
“We can confirm that we were alerted at 5.05pm and we still have water rescue teams at the scene.”
Footage taken tonight shows police filming Braunstone Lane East, while a helicopter could be seen overhead.
Fire crews could also be seen nearby.
Police added: “The child’s family is being supported by specialist officers and our thoughts are with them at this extremely difficult time.
“We have received numerous offers of support to assist with the search and would kindly ask people to stay away from the scene due to rising water levels and safety risks.
“If anyone has any information or comes across anything that could help the officers, please contact us immediately.
“Special teams are on standby to respond to any information received.
“If you need to get in touch, please contact 999 quoting incident 476:180224.”
Full police statement:
Earlier this evening (Sunday 18 February) officers were called to the River Soar in Leicester following reports of a child who had fallen into the water.
The child, a two-year-old boy, was with his family when he fell into the river, unfortunately despite the best efforts of those who were at the scene at the time, the child was not found.
Emergency services arrived at the scene shortly after 5pm and a search and rescue operation began in Aylestone Meadows, off Marsden Lane.
The man was transferred to the hospital as a precaution.
The operation is ongoing and will continue with additional specialist teams in the morning.
The child’s family is being supported by professional officers and our thoughts are with them at this extremely difficult time.
We have received numerous offers of support to assist with the search and would kindly ask people to stay away from the scene due to rising water levels and safety risks.
If anyone has any information or comes across anything that could help the officers, please contact us immediately.
Professional teams are on standby to respond to all received information.
If you need to get in touch, contact 999 quoting incident 476:180224.
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