Search for Noah Woods, 3, After Autistic, Non-Verbal Boy Goes Missing at Suffolk Playground

The search is on for a missing three-year-old boy who went missing at a playground in Merriam Close in Brantham, Suffolk. 'Police are appealing for help to locate a missing three-year-old boy, who was last seen in the vicinity of the Merriam Close playground in Brantham this afternoon,' Suffolk Police shared on social media, along with a photo of the boy, identified as Noah Woods, three.

According to Suffolk Constabulary, Noah was last seen at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, 15 September 2026. Efforts to locate him continue as over 100 community volunteers joined the search in Brantham that night. The community search effort was later stood down, while police searches continued through the night.

Information About Noah Woods

Noah was reportedly visiting the playground with a relative. However, they were separated in the afternoon when Noah ran off down the alleyway towards a new-build estate.

'Noah is described as white, with curly ginger hair. He is wearing a white Bluey T-shirt, shorts and black Vans trainers with a white stripe,' the police also said. 'He is also described as non-verbal, has partial hearing loss and is currently undergoing an assessment for autism.'

These are important pieces of information as Noah is unlikely to respond to his name. Police, accompanied by trained dog units, tried searching for Noah the same day he went missing. The National Police Air Service supplied helicopters for the search, while HM Coastguard, Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service, and Suffolk Lowland Search & Rescue (SULSAR) also sent teams to help with the operation.

'We are very concerned for Noah's welfare and need to find him as a matter of urgency,' said Superintendent Pete Partridge. 'A vast number of resources have been deployed by ourselves, our emergency services colleagues and volunteers from SULSAR.'

Police to Residents: Review Cameras

Local residents were urged to check their gardens, sheds, outbuildings and other areas that a child may potentially use as a play or hiding area. Further, police are asking the community to review their CCTV or doorbell cameras for possible sightings of Noah.

People who may have driven in the Brantham area are likewise requested to review their dashcams, if they have them. Suffolk Police asked that any information be submitted to the authorities as soon as possible.

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

Anyone with information may call 999 quoting CAD 203 of 15 September. They may also report via the Suffolk Constabulary website or via its live chat service.

Missing Children

According to the International Centre for Missing & Exploited Children, more than 66,665 children were reported missing in 196,645 incidents in the UK in 2023/24, based on data from the National Crime Agency's UK Missing Persons Unit. However, the organisation said the number is only a 'snapshot of the problem.'

'In many countries, statistics on missing children are not even available; and, unfortunately, even available statistics may be inaccurate due to: under-reporting/under-recognition; inflation; incorrect database entry of case information; and deletion of records once a case is closed,' the non-government organisation said on its website.