POLICE RELEASE LAST CONFIRMED SIGHTING OF MISSING 3-YEAR-OLD NOAH WOODS AS HUNDREDS OF VOLUNTEERS EXPAND SEARCH INTO SECOND DAY
Suffolk Police have released CCTV footage capturing the final confirmed moments of three-year-old Noah Woods at a playground in Brantham shortly before his disappearance on Tuesday afternoon.
The incident occurred at 2:37 p.m. on September 15, when Noah became separated from a relative while visiting the recreation ground on Merriam Close. According to witnesses, the toddler ran down an alleyway alongside the playground leading toward a newbuild housing estate. The operation has entered its second day, with search efforts significantly widened across the region.
Special Medical Profile and a Heartbroken Father’s Plea
Authorities have emphasized that Noah is an exceptionally vulnerable child:
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Physical Description: Noah is white with curly ginger hair. He was last seen wearing a white Bluey T-shirt, shorts, and black Vans trainers featuring a white side stripe.
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Medical Vulnerabilities: Noah is non-verbal, suffers from partial hearing loss, and is currently undergoing clinical assessment for autism. Crucially, he will not respond if his name is called.
On social media, the toddler’s father, Rhys Woods, issued an emotional appeal:
“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? I cannot go another night knowing he’s out there alone. Please don’t give up on him, guys.”
Full-Scale Rescue Operation: Helicopters, Dive Teams, and K9 Units
A multi-agency search is actively underway, coordinated by Suffolk Police alongside HM Coastguard, Suffolk Fire & Rescue Service, and Suffolk Lowland Search and Rescue:
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Specialized Deployment: Aerial assets from the National Police Air Service, thermal imaging technology, and specialized police dog units have been dispatched. A specialist dive team from London’s Metropolitan Police has also joined local efforts to scour Decoy Pond and the nearby River Stour estuary.
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Cordons in Place: Footpaths adjoining the Merriam Close playground and Decoy Pond have been sealed off from the public to allow forensic and search teams unimpeded access.
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Mass Public Mobilization: Hundreds of local volunteers have mobilized to assist, expanding foot patrols into neighboring villages including East Bergholt and Manningtree.
Critical Instructions from Authorities and Emergency Services
Suffolk Police reiterated that the case is currently being handled strictly as a missing person investigation, with no evidence of criminal activity or foul play, though investigators maintain an open mind regarding the circumstances.
To safeguard the child and maintain search efficacy, authorities have issued crucial public safety instructions:
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Approach with Extreme Care: Sarah Keys of Brantham Parish Council advised volunteers: “If you see Noah, we need a gentle approach. Do not grab him; it might scare him. Please call 999 and tell them where you are.”
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Check Outbuildings and Grounds: Area residents are urged to thoroughly inspect private gardens, sheds, outbuildings, and tight spaces where a wandering child might shelter.
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Review Camera Footage: Local motorists and homeowners are asked to review dashcam, private CCTV, and video doorbell footage recorded from 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday onward.
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Follow Search Protocols: Superintendent Tom Pearse requested that volunteers register at the official coordination center, stay clear of open waterways and rail tracks, and refrain entirely from flying recreational drones, which disrupt specialized aerial search equipment.
Anyone who believes they have seen Noah Woods is urged to immediately call 999 and quote incident reference CAD 203 of September 15.
