Three-year-old goes missing from playground

Noah Woods disappeared from a play area in Brantham, Suffolk on Tuesday afternoon after becoming separated from a relative. The autistic, non-verbal boy was last seen at 3pm near Merriam Close.

Body found in Decoy Pond

Police and fire teams recovered a body from Decoy Pond in Brantham on Wednesday afternoon. Formal identification has not yet taken place, but Noah's family has been informed.

“Police and fire teams this afternoon sadly recovered the body of a child from Decoy Pond in Brantham.”

Death treated as unexplained, not suspicious

Superintendent Tom Pearse said the discovery is being treated as not suspicious but unexplained. The coroner will be informed and formal identification is pending.

“The discovery of the body is currently being treated as not suspicious, but unexplained.”

Massive search involved hundreds of volunteers

Over 1,300 members of the public helped search alongside police, fire, coastguard, and rescue teams. Helicopters, sniffer dogs, thermal imaging, and CCTV analysis were all deployed.

Superintendent praises community response

Superintendent Pearse told volunteers at Brantham Leisure Centre that the community's support was overwhelming. He said the response typified Suffolk's strong sense of community and heartwarming nature.

“We have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of public support and people putting on their boots to help us with the search.”

Noah had autism and hearing loss

Noah was autistic and non-verbal with partial hearing loss. Police said he would not respond to his name if called, making the search more challenging.

Family asks for privacy and time

Superintendent Pearse asked the public to give Noah's family time, space, and privacy following the discovery. He acknowledged the family's grief and the community's desire to help.

“I'm sure you appreciate that the family now need time, space and privacy, and I thank you for your understanding of this.”