Absolutely heartbreaking: Volunteers left in floods of tears after police make announcement about Noah Woods
Police chief emotional and volunteers in tears after 𝘣𝘰𝘥𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 in search for three-year-old
Floral tributes have been placed at the scene after the body was discovered in a nearby pond in Brantham in Suffolk
Volunteers were left in floods of tears after police announced a body had been found in the search for missing three-year-old Noah Woods.
The toddler, who was non-verbal and partially deaf, vanished after a visit to a village playground in Brantham in Suffolk. Noah had been playing on the park when he became separated from a relative after running down an alleyway.
A massive search operation was launched with several hundred volunteers as well as teams from the police, fire, coastguard and search and rescue. Tragically, Suffolk Police announced on Wednesday that the body of a child had been discovered in a nearby pond and that Noah’s family had been told.
It was the news the people of Brantham had been dreading, with volunteers seen openly weeping as Superintendent Tom Pearse delivered the tragic news. Some stopped at the playground where Noah was last seen to bow their heads and pay their last respects, reports the Mirror.
Some women wept while others stood in silence in the field next to the pond after new notifications on their mobile phones alerted them to the tragic find. Supt Pearse’s own voice cracked as he praised those gathered for helping in the search for the little boy.
He said: “We have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of public support, people putting on their boots and helping us search. As a parent myself, I completely understand why people would want to help and such a response is one that typifies the strong sense of community and the heart-warming nature of Suffolk people that make the county such a special place.
“I am sure you appreciate the family now need time, space and privacy and I thank you for your understanding in this.”
Floral tributes for Noah have since been placed at the scene. After the tragic news emerged, one searcher Sophie Reece, 29, from Ipswich said: “This is shattering news. Everyone is so upset. We all hoped we’d find him. I’m so sorry for his family.”
The body was recovered from Decoy Pond, a fishing lake near to the play area in Merriam Close where he was last seen. Specialist dive teams from the Metropolitan Police had been called in to help with the hunt for the little boy and were seen searching the water on Wednesday afternoon.
As well as a massive ground search, helicopters, sniffer dogs, thermal imaging were used to try and find Noah, as officers went door to door and scoured CCTV. Police said formal identification is yet to take place, and the discovery of the body is currently being treated as not ‘suspicious but unexplained’.
Brantham Parish Council issued a statement. It said: “Our thoughts are with Noah’s family, friends and everyone who knows and loves him at this incredibly difficult time. We want to say a heartfelt thank you to Brantham residents and the wider community.
“The response over the past couple of days has been extraordinary. So many people have given their time, searched, brought supplies, opened buildings, supported volunteers and stood together as a community.
“Your kindness, care and willingness to help has been truly remarkable. At this time, we ask everyone to please respect the family’s privacy and give them the time and space they need.”
