Body found in search for missing boy in Brantham

A body has been found during the search for missing 3-year-old Noah Woods in Brantham, Suffolk, police confirmed on Wednesday. Suffolk Constabulary stated there is no indication of criminality related to the boy's disappearance, which began on September 15, 2026. Noah Woods was last seen on the afternoon of September 15 at Merriam Close playground in Brantham, where he became separated from a relative. He is described as nonverbal and has partial hearing loss, which means he would not respond to his name when called. A CCTV image shared by police showed Noah at the playground before he went missing, and investigators believe he ran down an alleyway beside the playground towards a nearby housing estate. Superintendent Tom Pearse of Suffolk Police addressed volunteers at Brantham Leisure Centre after the body was discovered, expressing gratitude for the community's efforts. "We are unbelievably grateful for all those who've contributed to the search," he said. Police carried out house-to-house inquiries along with foot, aerial, and thermal searches, and briefed volunteers to ensure efficient search efforts.