Suffolk police release CCTV of three‑year‑old Noah Woods as search intensifies

What happened

At about 15:00 BST on Tuesday, 16 September 2026, three‑year‑old Noah Woods went missing in the Suffolk village of Brantham. He had been with a relative in the Merriam Close playground when he slipped away, heading down an alley that leads towards a new‑build housing estate. The boy is autistic, partially deaf and does not speak, meaning he is unlikely to respond when his name is called, police said.

Who is involved

Suffolk Police released CCTV stills and a short video taken roughly half an hour before the disappearance. The footage shows Noah running around the playground, wearing a white T‑shirt printed with the cartoon character Bluey, shorts and black Vans trainers with a white stripe. Supt Tom Pearse, the force’s senior investigating officer, told volunteers the case remains a missing‑person investigation with no indication of criminal activity, though “we keep an open mind as to the circumstances”.

Noah’s father has been posting updates on social media, pleading for anyone with information to come forward: “I cannot go another night knowing he’s out there alone, please don’t give up on him.” Louise Madley, manager of Brantham Leisure Centre, is coordinating the volunteer hub, while the Brantham Parish Council has issued practical advice for searchers.

Search effort

The operation has swelled to “hundreds” of volunteers, organised from the village hall and the leisure centre. Teams include police officers, fire and rescue, the coastguard, sniffer dogs and a helicopter equipped with thermal imaging. Volunteers are instructed to report to the coordination centre, avoid the nearby railway line and the River Stour, and not to approach Noah if found – instead they should call 999 and give the precise location via the What3Words app.

Police have appealed for anyone with private CCTV, door‑bell or dash‑cam footage from 15:00 BST onward to review it and share any relevant clips. “If you have a camera that captured the area, please forward any footage – it could be vital,” said Supt Pearse.

A far‑right activist, Daniel Thomas, also posted a video urging his followers to help, though police reminded the public that personal drones can interfere with specialist equipment and should not be used.

What next

The search will continue through the night and into Wednesday, with coordination staff monitoring new leads and revisiting areas of the woods, pond and open water surrounding Brantham. Police have not ruled out any scenario and will maintain a systematic approach, adjusting search zones as necessary.

If you live in or have driven through Brantham since Tuesday afternoon, check any recordings you might have and contact Suffolk Police on 101 or email the dedicated tip line provided on the force’s website.