By GB News (World News) | Created at 2026-09-16 10:30:59 | Updated at 2026-09-16 11:18:45
53 minutes ago
A major search for a missing three-year-old boy has been widened this morning after he was separated from his family at a playground in Suffolk.
Three-year-old Noah Woods was last seen at around 3pm on Tuesday in Brantham, after visiting the playground in the town's Merriam Close.
He is believed to have run off down an alleyway next to the playground that leads to a new-build housing estate.
Police described Noah as white, with curly ginger hair, and is partially deaf, non-verbal and autistic - last seen wearing a T-shirt branded with pictures from children's TV show Bluey, shorts and black Vans trainers with a white stripe.
In a fresh statement this morning, Suffolk Police Supt Pete Partridge said: "We are very concerned for Noah's welfare and need to find him as a matter of urgency.
"A vast number of resources have been deployed by ourselves, our emergency services colleagues and volunteers from SULSAR (Suffolk Lowland Search and Rescue).
"These resources have been bolstered by members of the public who have turned out in large numbers to assist and we are incredibly grateful for their help and support.
"Given that fast-moving nature of the investigation, it is important that any public searches are coordinated with police to ensure we are working together, and that our resources are directed where they can be most effective.
Three-year-old Noah Woods was last seen at around 3pm on Tuesday in Brantham
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"We therefore ask that people do not put themselves at risk or undertake independent searches overnight. We will continue to keep Noah's family and the public updated on the progress of our searches and investigation.
"We know that people want to help and so we are urging local residents to carefully read our requests to check their gardens and outbuildings and review any CCTV or dashcam footage as a priority. Anyone who believes they have seen Noah is asked to contact us immediately."
A major incident public portal has been set up for people to submit any information to the Joint Norfolk and Suffolk investigation team.
As the search widens, droves of volunteers have turned up at Brantham Village Hall to help in the desperate operation, as a queue of people line up outside the door.
Officials have run out of high-vis vests to accommodate the hundreds of volunteers.
As the search widens, droves of volunteers have turned up at Brantham Village Hall to help in the desperate operation
PA
The three-year-old's father, Rhys Woods, posted on Facebook: "Hi all. "Thank every single one of you who have taken part in the search for our boy Noah,
"To clear things up because people do really make up their own stories, he is only mildly autistic and has partial hearing loss, he is fully capable of every day tasks,
"We still have nothing, all the emergency services and all of you have shown how strong this community is, with people coming from far and wide also,
"The emergency services are very confident that the high risk areas (Decoy pond, railway lines) are all clear,
"This means knowing our boy, he has gone even further, could I ask that all of you brilliant people out there today expand further if you are able to? Reference where I have outlined, and maybe even further than this,
"I cannot go another night knowing he’s out there alone, please don’t give up on him guys,
"He is out there somewhere and I appreciate every single one of you."
Lauren White, who is helping co-ordinate the efforts, told the BBC: "The response from the community has been unbelievable. There are hundreds and hundreds of people who have been involved."
Sarah Keys, from Brantham Parish Council, hooked up volunteers with a mobile app to pinpoint their locations, and asked not to approach Noah if they see him.
"If you see Noah, we need a gentle approach," she said, "do not grab him, it might scare him. Please call 999 and tell them where you are."
Policing team Sgt Claire Connick told volunteers at Brantham Village Hall to widen their searches away from the village.
She asked people to avoid the village centre, suggesting people go further afield to nearby villages of East Bergholt and Manningtree and working their way back.
People have been arriving from across the country to help, from as far away as Hampshire and Birmingham, joining hundreds of local parents, residents and community volunteers searching the area.
The search has been bolstered by helicopters from the National Police Air Service and HM Coastguard, Coastguards on the ground, Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service, Suffolk Lowland Search and Rescue, police, specially trained officers and dog units.
Noah Woods went missing from the playground in the town's Merriam Close
PA
James Cartlidge, the Conservative MP for South Suffolk, which covers Brantham, posted on X,: "Incredibly concerning to hear about three-year-old Noah, missing from Brantham since 3pm yesterday.
"I simply can't imagine what his family and loved ones are going through, but they will be in the thoughts of us all.
"I've spoken to Suffolk Police and like me, they're incredibly grateful to the community and all of the volunteers for their help with the search for missing Noah.
"The police are sending more resources to Brantham this morning."
