Missing toddler Noah Woods, 3, who was found dead in lake following major search escaped play area 'through gap in fence'

Search efforts drew droves of volunteers to the Village Hall to support the desperate operation.

More than 1,300 people joined the search over the following 24 hours.

He became separated from a relative after visiting the playground in Merriam Close, and his death was not treated as suspicious.

The inquest revealed Noah left a play area through a gap in the fence and then through an open gate.

At the time, Superintendent Tom Pearse said: "I want to once again extend our thoughts and deepest sympathy to Noah’s family and thank them for their patience and understanding throughout the searches.

"It was clear from the media coverage we saw that they not only had all of Suffolk behind them, but an outpouring of goodwill from across the entire country and beyond."

He added: "I know how grateful Noah’s family are for all the support and kind messages they have received, but would reiterate our plea to now allow them the time, space and privacy they need at this deeply distressing time."

In a post on Facebook following his son's death, Noah’s father, Rhys Woods, described his son as "the sweetest and most innocent little boy, with nothing but love to give".

He wrote: “We are going to miss him so very much. This was the most heartbreaking outcome for us.

"We kept hoping that he would be hiding somewhere obvious and that someone would find him. That’s what we told ourselves throughout the search."