The father of a two-year-old boy who fell into the River Soar in Leicestershire went into the water to try and save his son, police have said.
Emergency services attended the scene in Aylestone Meadows, close to Marsden Lane, just after 5pm on Sunday evening.
The child was with his family when the incident occurred but was not located “despite the best efforts of those at the scene”, Leicestershire Police said.
Giving an update on Monday, Assistant Chief Constable, Michaela Kerr, said an adult linked to the child had entered the water in an “attempt to try and get the child”.
She said the man was taken to hospital as a “precautionary measure” but has now been discharged.
When asked if the adult in question was the child’s father, she said: “Yes it is.”
Specialist teams including police divers have joined the search operation, which continued overnight, and a police helicopter has been deployed again to try and locate the child.
Assistant Chief Constable Kerr described the search area as “incredibly difficult” due to significant rainfall and a rise in water levels.
Police said the investigation currently remains a “missing child” investigation, rather than a recovery operation.
She said as a result of the “dangerous” conditions, it was important that members of public don’t attempt to carry out any type of search and should refrain from coming to the area.
“It is an awful time for the family, and Leicestershire Police are doing everything to find the child and support the family at this unbelievably difficult time,” she said.
“We do know that one person went into the river to try and get the child, but sadly at this time we have not been able to find the child.
“I am confident that we will find him, we are doing everything we possibly can.”
A long-standing resident whose home overlooks Aylestone Meadows said flooding from the River Soar in recent weeks had left parts of the nature reserve in a treacherous state.
The woman, who walks regularly in the area, said a nearby canal and the river sometimes “go into one” during peak flooding periods.
“It’s fast flowing,” she said of current conditions. “It’s been quite bad.
“It’s devastating to think how they (family members) must be feeling.”
Police have urged anyone with any information that may assist officers to contact the force immediately.