Body found in search for missing three-year-old Noah Woods

A body has been found during the search for missing three-year-old Noah Woods, who disappeared after visiting a playground in Suffolk.

Suffolk Police confirmed on Wednesday evening, 16 September, that the body of a child had been recovered from Decoy Pond in Brantham.

Formal identification has yet to take place, but Noah’s family has been informed of the discovery. Police said the death is currently being treated as unexplained but not suspicious.

Noah disappeared after visiting playground

Noah had been reported missing after becoming separated from a relative following a visit to the playground in Merriam Close, Brantham, on Tuesday afternoon.

Suffolk Police initially said he was last seen at approximately 3pm and was believed to have run down an alleyway beside the playground towards a nearby new-build housing estate.

The three-year-old was described as having curly ginger hair and was wearing a white Bluey T-shirt, shorts and white trainers when he disappeared.

Noah was non-verbal, had partial hearing loss and was reported to be undergoing an assessment for autism, increasing concerns for his welfare as the search continued.

Huge search operation launched

A major search operation was launched following Noah’s disappearance, involving specially trained police officers, dog units, emergency services and specialist resources.

Hundreds of members of the public also travelled to the area to help search for the three-year-old, with the community response continuing through Tuesday night and into Wednesday.

Specialist divers were among those involved in searching Decoy Pond before the body was recovered.

Police had earlier appealed to residents to check gardens, sheds and outbuildings as officers attempted to establish Noah’s whereabouts.

Family informed following discovery

Following the discovery, Superintendent Tom Pearse confirmed that formal identification had not yet taken place but that Noah Woods’ family had been informed.

The discovery brings to an end an extensive search which drew a significant response from both emergency services and members of the local community.

Police enquiries surrounding the circumstances of the death are continuing.