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Newly released CCTV captures the final known movements of three-year-old Noah Woods as the search for him enters a second day. Volunteers and emergency services are continuing a wide search across Brantham and surrounding areas after the toddler was last seen on Tuesday afternoon.
Footage shows playground moments before he vanished
Suffolk Police released video showing Noah playing and moving around equipment at the playground on Merriam Close shortly before he disappeared. Officers say he was last seen at about 2.37pm on Tuesday 15 September.
Investigators believe he may have run down an alley towards a nearby housing estate after becoming separated from a relative. The footage is being used to map his last known route.
Large-scale search involving volunteers and specialist teams
Hundreds of local volunteers joined police, sniffer dogs, specialist rescue teams and a helicopter as the search spread through the village and neighbouring countryside.
Teams from SULSAR (Suffolk Lowland Search and Rescue) have been deployed alongside regular emergency services. Police say resources are being directed to the areas where they will have the most effect.
Family appeal and community guidance
Noah’s father, Rhys, made an emotional plea on social media asking people to widen searches beyond Brantham. He wrote: “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.”
The family say that high-risk locations, including Decoy Pond and the railway lines, have been checked and cleared, and they now believe Noah may have travelled further.
How volunteers are being asked to search
Brantham Parish Council has issued practical advice to people helping: “You are looking for a frightened three-year-old.” Volunteers are urged to check small, hidden spaces as well as high and low areas, and to use all senses when searching.
People helping have been advised to work in pairs, wear high-visibility clothing and carry a fully charged mobile phone. If someone thinks they spot Noah, they are asked not to approach him but to call 999 immediately and provide an exact location using the What3Words app.
Description and how the public can assist
Noah is described as white with curly ginger hair. He is partially deaf and non-verbal, and is currently undergoing an assessment for autism. At the time he went missing he was wearing a white Bluey T-shirt, shorts and black Vans trainers with a white stripe.
Police have asked residents to check gardens, sheds and outbuildings and to review any CCTV or doorbell camera footage from 3pm on Tuesday.
Police comment and contact details
Superintendent Pete Partridge said officers are “very concerned for Noah’s welfare” and must find him “as a matter of urgency”. He thanked the public for turning out to help but stressed that searches must be coordinated with police so resources can be used effectively. He also warned volunteers not to put themselves at risk or carry out independent searches overnight.
Anyone with information or who believes they have seen Noah should contact Suffolk Police, quoting CAD 203 of 15 September.
