Noah Woods unanswered as group left ‘heartbroken’ and flowers left at scene
Volunteers wept as the news brought to an end to a major search operation that was triggered on Tuesday after the youngster ran from a nearby playground and disappeared
Volunteers wept as the news was announced(Image: Getty Images)
Villagers looking for little Noah Woods have been left heartbroken after their search for the missing three-year-old ended in tragedy. Police dive teams recovered a body from a pond just 300 yards from where he vanished in Brantham, Suffolk.
It was a heartbreaking end to a major search operation that was triggered on Tuesday after the youngster ran from a nearby playground and disappeared from the site of a relative he was with.
More than 1,300 volunteers had descended on the village to look for Noah, who was partially deaf and being assessed for autism. They and the hundreds of locals who had helped in the search were left reeling at the tragic loss.
Little Noah vanished from a playground(Image: Family Handout/Suffolk Police/PA Wire)
When the news was announced, volunteers wept and hugged each other. A sudden silence hushed over the village as the heartbroken community was lost for words.
Karen Woodward told a local newspaper: “I’m absolutely heartbroken. Today has restored a little faith in humanity, seeing people from afar come together.”
Nicky Taylor, from Colchester, said: “My daughter came over first thing this morning, and we were around the ponds, and just had a bad feeling it was going to be the ponds. We’re completely heartbroken.”
Flowers have been left by heartbroken villagers (Image: Humphrey Nemar.)
Another searcher, who didn’t wish to be named, said: “It’s just tragic, numbing; we feel for the mum and dad, and wider family.”
Superintendent Tom Pearse of Suffolk Police said: “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 heart-warming nature of Suffolk people.”
Noah is understood to have been with his grandad when he ran off down an alleyway as they left the playground. CCTV footage of last known sighting showed the ginger-haired tot happily playing on a roundabout and running around it in circles.
A teddy bear left in tribute to the youngster(Image: Humphrey Nemar.)
Cops went door to door and asked locals to check their outbuildings, doorbell cameras and dashcam footage as the nation prayed for his safe return to his family.
Noah’s dad Rhys had pleaded with the public to help bring his son home as the search continued. He wrote: “I cannot go another night knowing he’s out there alone, please don’t give up on him, guys. He’s out there somewhere and I appreciate every single one of you.”
Woodland around the lake, known as Decoy Pond, was cordoned off yesterday (September 16), with search and rescue workers, Coastguard and dog units seen scouring the area. Police divers joined the search in the afternoon. The pond, around 150 yards wide, was later sealed off.
Hundreds of volunteers helped the search(Image: Will Colebourne/PA Wire)
Remaining questions
It is not known at what point little Noah entered the water or where he went immediately after running off from his Grandad. Flowers were left at the scene where Noah vanished and those floral tributes continue to grow on Thursday.
Brantham Parish Council thanked those who volunteered in the search for Noah. A statement said: “Our thoughts are with Noah’s family, friends and everyone who knows and loves him at this incredibly difficult time.
“We want to say a heartfelt thank you to Brantham residents and the wider community. The response over the past couple of days has been extraordinary.
Superintendent Tom Pearse delivered the heartbreaking news(Image: Will Colebourne/PA Wire)
“So many people have given their time, searched, brought supplies, opened buildings, supported volunteers and stood together as a community.
“Your kindness, care and willingness to help has been truly remarkable. At this time, we ask everyone to please respect the family’s privacy and give them the time and space they need.”
