Search continues for boy, 3, missing from playground

Searches are continuing for a missing three-year-old boy who was last seen at a playground in a Suffolk village.

Noah Woods was with a relative at the small park at Merriam Close in Brantham, but "became separated" from them as they left at about 15:00 BST on Tuesday, Suffolk Police said.

The toddler, who is partially deaf and non-verbal, was reported to have run down a nearby alleyway towards a newbuild housing estate.

Hundreds of people joined searches for Noah, while emergency services carried out door-to-door inquiries into the evening.

Police described Noah as white, with curly ginger hair, and said he would not respond to his name being called.

He was wearing a white Bluey T-shirt, shorts and black Vans trainers with a white stripe.

Live updates: Police search for missing Noah Woods

In a statement released overnight, police said efforts to find him were still ongoing.

"We are grateful for the support from the public, however ask people not to undertake independent searches overnight. It's important that any public searches are coordinated with police."

A helicopter was seen flying over the scene, which is near the estuary of the River Stour and close to the Essex border.

Residents have been urged to thoroughly check their gardens, sheds and outbuildings for any potential areas where a child may hide.

Police have asked anyone in the village with CCTV or doorbell cameras to review the footage from 15:00 onwards for possible sightings and anyone driving through Brantham with a fitted dashcam has also been asked to check the footage.

Brantham Parish Council said the village hall stayed open overnight with toilet facilities and drinks available for volunteers.

In a post on Facebook, it said: "We have been completely overwhelmed by the support received from the Brantham community and from visitors from far and wide and our thanks go to the emergency services and all the volunteers who have joined the search so far."

Passengers on trains between Manningtree and Ipswich were told their services must run at a reduced speed due to the searches.

Specially trained officers have been deployed to assist with the search, with the aid of helicopters and drones.

Supt Pete Partridge said: "We are very concerned for Noah's welfare and need to find him as a matter of urgency.

"Given the fast-moving nature of the investigation, it is important that any public searches are co-ordinated with police to ensure we are working together, and that our resources are directed where they can be most effective.

"Anyone who believes they have seen Noah is asked to contact us immediately."

A spokesperson for HM Coastguard 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."

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