Suffolk police release CCTV in search for missing 3-year-old Noah Woods
Authorities have deployed specialist teams and helicopters to locate non-verbal toddler Noah Woods after he became separated from a relative in Brantham.
Suffolk Police have released CCTV footage of three-year-old Noah Woods as the search for the missing toddler continues, with authorities emphasizing no evidence of criminal activity in his disappearance. The boy, who is non-verbal and partially deaf, went missing after becoming separated from a relative at a playground in Brantham on Tuesday afternoon. His last known sighting was at 2:37pm, captured on camera as he played on a merry-go-round before running down an alleyway toward a nearby new-build housing estate.
Noah’s Profile and Last Known Movements
Noah, described as white with curly ginger hair, was wearing a white Bluey T-shirt, shorts, and black Vans trainers with a white stripe when he vanished. Suffolk Police confirmed he is non-verbal, has partial hearing loss, and is currently undergoing an assessment for autism. His father, Rhys Woods, clarified on social media that Noah is “only mildly autistic” and “fully capable of every day tasks,” countering misinformation circulating online.
According to police, Noah ran down an alleyway beside the Merriam Close playground toward a housing estate near Decoy Pond, a large fishing lake that has been cordoned off. The area also includes a railway line, which police have warned volunteers to avoid due to the need for specialist search teams. “We politely ask people to avoid open waters and railways – these are areas that require specialist and professional expertise,” Superintendent Tom Pearse said in a statement, urging the public to report to a coordination centre rather than conducting independent searches.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Last known time of disappearance | 2:37pm on Tuesday, September 15 |
| Last seen location | Merriam Close playground, Brantham |
| Physical description | White, curly ginger hair; wearing a white Bluey T-shirt, shorts, and black Vans trainers with a white stripe |
| Search areas of concern | Decoy Pond, railway lines, and surrounding woods |
Search Efforts and Public Involvement
A coordinated search involving Suffolk Police, fire services, coastguard units, and volunteer groups has been underway since Tuesday. Hundreds of volunteers have joined the effort, with sniffer dogs, helicopters from the National Police Air Service, and thermal imaging technology deployed to scour the area. Police have asked residents to review private CCTV, doorbell cameras, and dashcam footage from 3pm on Tuesday for any sightings of Noah.
Superintendent Pearse reiterated that the case is being treated as a missing person investigation, with no indication of “anything sinister or any element of criminality.” However, he emphasized the need for systematic search coordination, stating that “there may be times when officers may need to restrict access to certain areas” to ensure safety. Volunteers are instructed to avoid open water and railways, which are being handled by specialists, and to refrain from using personal drones that could interfere with official equipment.
Noah’s father has appealed for continued support, writing on social media: “I cannot go another night knowing he’s out there alone, please don’t give up on him guys. He is out there somewhere.” He also urged searchers to expand their efforts beyond the immediate village, noting that emergency services were “very confident that the high risk areas (decoy pond, railway lines) are all clear.”
Police and Community Response
Brantham parish council advised volunteers to “think about slight movements in your peripheral [vision], high and low, tiny small spaces use all your senses whilst searching.” They also warned against grabbing or approaching Noah if found, instructing searchers to call 999 immediately and provide their location via the What3Words app. Police have urged residents to submit any information through dedicated channels, including an online reporting form or a dedicated phone line (0800 051 6076), rather than using 101.
Despite the extensive efforts, no confirmed sightings have been reported as of Wednesday morning. Superintendent Pearse acknowledged the support from the public and the resources deployed, including HM Coastguard and Suffolk Lowland Search & Rescue. Police have also noted that while the public reported finding hats and toys, Noah was not wearing a hat or carrying toys when he went missing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was Noah last seen?
Noah was last seen at 2:37pm on Tuesday, September 15, at the Merriam Close playground in Brantham, Suffolk. CCTV footage shows him playing on a merry-go-round before running down an alleyway toward a nearby housing estate.
Is there any evidence of criminal activity?
Suffolk Police have stated there is “nothing to indicate anything sinister or any element of criminality” in Noah’s disappearance. The case remains a missing person investigation.
How can the public help?
Residents are asked to review private CCTV, doorbell cameras, and dashcam footage from 3pm on Tuesday. Volunteers should report to the coordination centre, avoid open water and railways, and refrain from using personal drones. Information can be shared via the Suffolk Police online reporting form or dedicated phone line.
As the search continues, police have warned that Noah’s condition—non-verbal and partially deaf—means he will not respond to his name. The community remains mobilized, with hundreds of volunteers combing the area and local authorities coordinating efforts to locate the toddler.
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