A 2 year 5 month old boy of Qelekuro Village in Tailevu drowned while playing at the village beachfront yesterday afternoon.

He was left under the care of his aunt yesterday and was playing at the beachfront when he was discovered missing. At around 5pm yesterday, the toddler could not be seen anywhere.

A search was then conducted by village members and at 6.45pm his body was discovered floating 50 metres out from the main land.

A post mortem has been arranged for tomorrow.

Police would like to urge parents and guardians to be acquainted with their children's whereabouts and monitor them directly this festive season and to please spend quality time with your children and provide them the best protection you can give.

Police urged those living near the beach, rivers and roads, to take extra precaution and never lose sight of children especially the young ones during the school holidays.