Noah Woods: Body found in search for child, 3, who disappeared from Suffolk playground
The devastating update brings an end to the 27 hour search for the non-verbal toddler who disappeared from a playground.
A body has been located in the desperate search for a three-year-old.
Noah Woods went missing from a playground in Brantham, Suffolk, on Tuesday afternoon UK time.
At the time of his disappearance, the three-year-old was being watched by his grandfather when he ran off towards a new housing development by the pond.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Police said the child was non-verbal, partially deaf, and was undergoing an autism diagnosis.
In a statement from police published by the BBC, Superintendent Tom Pearse said the body was located in the pond, which is about 300 metres from the playground.
“Police dive teams this afternoon have sadly recovered the body of a child from Decoy Pond in Brantham,” he said.
“Formal identification has yet to take place but the family of Noah Woods have been informed of this development.
“The discovery of the body is currently being treated as not suspicious but unexplained. The coroner will be informed of this development
“First and foremost our thoughts are with Noah’s family and all who knew him.
“Since Noah was reported as missing vast number of our officers and staff have been deployed in numerous functions in the search for Noah and support for his family.”
Mr Pearse said the search has been supported by the National Police Air Service, Suffolk Hazardous Area Response Team, Suffolk Lowland Search and Rescue, Environment Agency, HM Coastguard, Fire and Rescue Service, and the ambulance service, as well as 1300 members of the public.
“We have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of public support, people putting on their boots and helping us search,” he added.
“As a parent myself, I completely understand why people would want to help and such a response is one that typifies the strong sense of community and the heartwarming nature of Suffolk people that make the county such a special place.
“I am sure you appreciate the family now need time, space and privacy and I thank you for your understanding in this.”
The Guardian reported that volunteers wept at the news, which an emotional Mr Pearse delivered through a cracked voice.
The devastating discovery comes after UK police released CCTV footage of the child playing in the playground.
The bubbly youngster could be seen in a Bluey shirt running around a circular ride at 2.37pm, local time.
His dad, Rhys Woods, issued an urgent plea for help on Wednesday.
“(Noah) is only mildly autistic and has partial hearing loss, he is fully capable of everyday tasks,” he said.
“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?
“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.”
News of the body recovery was shared by the local council on Facebook, who wrote a “heartfelt thank you” to those who had volunteered their time and resources to the search.
