Desperate hunt for boy, 3, who vanished from playground as police problem enchantment
Noah was last seen at 3pm on Tuesday when he became separated from a family member at the playground in Merriam Close in Brantham, near Manningtree
Noah, 3(Image: Suffolk Police)
A major search operation is underway for a missing three year-old boy who disappeared from a village playground – as police urge locals to inspect their gardens, sheds and outbuildings.
Little Noah was last seen at 3pm on Tuesday when he became separated from a family member at the playground in Merriam Close in Brantham, near Manningtree.
A Coastguard helicopter was spotted hovering over the village, which is situated near the estuary of the River Stour.
Officers from Suffolk Police believe Noah could have run off down an alleyway next to the playground, heading towards a nearby newly constructed housing estate.
The three-year-old is described as white with curly ginger hair, and was last seen wearing a white T-shirt adorned with the TV character Bluey, shorts and white trainers.
A spokesperson for Suffolk Constabulary said: “Emergency services are currently in Brantham conducting searches. Residents in the area are asked to check their gardens, sheds and outbuildings,” reports the Manchester Evening News.
The boy is missing (Image: Google Maps)
The BBC reported that over 100 people had joined the search efforts on Tuesday evening. An HM Coastguard spokesperson said: “We are assisting Suffolk Constabulary with an incident at Brantham by sending an HM Coastguard helicopter and Coastguard Rescue Teams from Felixstowe and Holbrook.”
Anyone who thinks they may have spotted Noah is urged to get in touch with Suffolk Police, quoting CAD 203 of September 15.
The development comes after the tragic death of a two-year-old who choked on a sausage while at nursery.
Sadie Salt is believed to have choked while having lunch with 25 other young children at Mini Learners in Radlett, Hertfordshire, on November 12, 2020, and died in hospital two days later.
On Tuesday, Hertsmere Borough Council announced it had authorised a prosecution under health and safety laws after conducting “a full and thorough investigation”.
In a statement released through their solicitor, Sadie’s parents Zoe and Adam said: “Nearly six years have passed since Sadie’s death, and throughout that time we have continued to suffer grief and heartbreak every day.
“Nothing can makeup for the devastating loss of our daughter, and the impact of her death remains with us in every aspect of our lives.
“We are grateful to Hertsmere Borough Council for its thorough investigation of Sadie’s case and to everyone who has worked to help bring matters to this point.”
