Noah Woods: Fundraiser launched after body found in search for missing boy raises more than £29,000

A fundraiser has been launched for the family of three-year-old Noah Woods after a body was found in the search for the missing boy.

The discovery was made on Wednesday after he vanished a day earlier following a visit to a village playground in Brantham, Suffolk.

Noah, autistic, non-verbal and partially deaf, became separated from a relative, and his disappearance sparked a major search operation involving the police, coastguard and around 1,300 volunteers.

A fundraiser launched by Good Dads Club has so far raised more than £29,000 towards the family's expenses during this "heartbreaking time".

In an update on Wednesday, Superintendent Tom Pearse from Suffolk police said that the body of a child had been found in a nearby pond, and that Noah's family had been informed.

Formal identification has yet to take place, and the discovery is being treated as not suspicious but unexplained, he said.

Volunteers who were gathered in a garden area at Brantham Leisure Centre were brought to tears after Mr Pearse broke the news.

His own voice cracked as he praised those in attendance for helping in the search.

Superintendent Pearse said police had been "overwhelmed by the outpouring public support", and the number of volunteers "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," he said.

"I am sure you appreciate the family now need time, space and privacy and I thank you for your understanding in this."

Police released CCTV footage on Wednesday showing Noah's last known movements at the playground. It shows the toddler running and interacting with a piece of play equipment.

The massive ground search, which saw helicopters, sniffer dogs and thermal imaging used, was made more difficult because Noah would not have responded to his name if called.

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Brantham Parish Council said: "Our thoughts are with Noah's family, friends and everyone who knows and loves him at this incredibly difficult time."

The leisure centre, which had become a hub for search efforts and the massive community response, will remain open on Thursday to offer support, the council said.

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