From the Guardian · · 2m
Three-year-old Noah Woods missing in Suffolk
Hundreds of volunteers search for autistic boy who vanished from playground near Manningtree on Tuesday afternoon.
In brief
Hundreds of volunteers search for autistic boy who vanished from playground near Manningtree on Tuesday afternoon. Noah Woods, a non-verbal autistic three-year-old, went missing from a playground in Brantham and police are treating it as a missing persons case with no signs of criminality. Originally reported by the…
Three-year-old vanishes from playground
Noah Woods, who is autistic, non-verbal and partially deaf, went missing Tuesday afternoon after becoming separated from a relative at a play area in Brantham, Suffolk.
Police treat as missing persons case
Suffolk police say the investigation shows no signs of criminality or anything sinister, though they remain open-minded about the circumstances.
“This is being treated as a missing person investigation at this stage and there is nothing to indicate anything sinister or any element of criminality has taken place although we keep an open mind as to the circumstances.”
CCTV shows boy before vanishing
Police released video footage of Noah in the play area just before he disappeared. He is believed to have run down an alleyway toward a nearby new-build housing estate.
Hundreds of volunteers join massive search
Police, fire, coastguard and search and rescue teams are coordinating efforts with sniffer dogs and a helicopter. Volunteers in hi-vis jackets are searching from the village hall and leisure centre.
Father pleads for continued search
Noah's father posted on social media: "I cannot go another night knowing he's out there alone, please don't give up on him guys." He asked volunteers to expand the search beyond the village.
“I cannot go another night knowing he's out there alone, please don't give up on him guys.”
Police warn volunteers about hazards
Superintendent Tom Pearse urged volunteers to report to coordination centres and avoid railways and open water, which require specialist teams. Personal drones are also prohibited.
“We politely ask people to avoid open waters and railways, these are areas that require specialist and professional expertise.”
What Noah was wearing when he vanished
Noah is white with curly ginger hair. He was wearing a white T-shirt featuring the TV character Bluey, shorts, and black Vans trainers with a white stripe.
Public asked to check CCTV and dashcams
Anyone with private CCTV, doorbell cameras or dashcam footage from the area after 3pm Tuesday is asked to review it for sightings. If Noah is found, people should call 999 immediately.
The key point
Noah Woods, a non-verbal autistic three-year-old, went missing from a playground in Brantham and police are treating it as a missing persons case with no signs of criminality.
