NOAH VANISHED AT 2:37 P.M. — 24 HOURS LATER, THE SEARCH ENDED AT DECOY POND

Three-year-old Noah Woods disappeared after leaving a playground in Brantham.

For more than 24 hours, around 1,300 people searched for him.

Then specialist divers entered Decoy Pond.

A child’s body was recovered.

Police have now confirmed the identity.

It was Noah Woods.

The discovery brings a devastating end to the huge operation that had mobilised police officers, search dogs, helicopters, firefighters, coastguard crews, specialist volunteers and members of the public.

Noah was last seen at around 2:37 p.m. on September 15, after becoming separated from a relative. CCTV showed him running down an alleyway before disappearing from sight.

The search continued through the night as people across Brantham and beyond joined the effort to find him.

But the outcome was not the one thousands had hoped for.

Suffolk Constabulary says Noah’s death is not being treated as suspicious, although the circumstances remain unexplained and further enquiries are continuing for the coroner.

His father, Rhys Woods, described his son as “the sweetest and most innocent little boy.”

The playground where Noah was last seen is now a place of remembrance, with flowers, toys and messages left for the three-year-old.

A missing-child search that began with hope has ended with a heartbreaking discovery.