A significant search operation is ongoing in and around a Suffolk village for Noah Woods, a three-year-old boy with autism who went missing on Tuesday afternoon. Suffolk police have stated that the hunt remains a missing persons investigation, with no indication of anything sinister.
Noah, who is autistic, non-verbal, and partially deaf, became separated from a relative after a visit to a play area in Brantham. Police have noted that Noah will not respond to his name if called.
Supt Tom Pearse from Suffolk police provided an update on Wednesday, confirming that the investigation is being treated as a missing person case. The force has released new CCTV stills and footage of Noah in the play area in Merriam Close just before he disappeared. It is believed he ran down an alleyway towards a nearby new-build housing estate.
The surrounding area includes woods, a pond, and is near the River Stour and a railway. Volunteers in hi-vis jackets are assisting the search, which is being coordinated from the village hall and a leisure centre. Police have urged volunteers to report to coordination centres and to avoid railways and open water, as these areas require specialist searching.