WHAT HAPPENED IN NOAH WOODS’ FINAL HOURS? INQUEST REVEALS NEW DETAILS ABOUT THE TODDLER’S LAST KNOWN MOVEMENTS

The three-year-old was found among submerged tree roots at Decoy Pond after a massive search involving around 1,300 volunteers. An inquest has now revealed how he left the playground before disappearing.

The heartbreaking case of three-year-old Noah Woods has left a community searching for answers after the toddler was found in Decoy Pond in Brantham, Suffolk, following an extensive search operation.

Noah disappeared on September 15, 2026, after visiting a playground with a relative. His disappearance prompted an extraordinary response from the local community, with approximately 1,300 members of the public joining emergency services in the effort to find him.

His body was recovered from the pond the following afternoon, September 16.

Although police said his death was not being treated as suspicious, the circumstances remained unexplained, and further enquiries were required.

Now, details presented at the opening of the inquest have provided a clearer picture of Noah’s final known movements.

CCTV revealed the toddler’s last known movements

At the opening of the inquest at Suffolk Coroner’s Court on September 25, Detective Chief Inspector Matthew Connick outlined what investigators had established.

Noah had visited an under-fives playground at Merriam Close as part of his normal routine with a relative.

Motion-activated CCTV footage showed him playing at the playground between 2:13 p.m. and 2:37 p.m. on September 15.

Investigators heard that Noah subsequently left the play area through a gap in the fence.

He entered a nearby memorial garden before passing through an open gate and heading in the direction of Decoy Pond.

His relative was following closely behind and attempting to keep up with him.

According to evidence presented at the hearing, the relative shouted after Noah, but after approximately 200 metres, the child could no longer be seen.

Police were contacted, and a major search operation began.

The discovery among submerged tree roots

The search involved Suffolk Police, specialist search teams, emergency services and volunteers from across the region.

Members of the Metropolitan Police Dive Team were eventually deployed to Decoy Pond.

On September 16, divers recovered Noah’s body from the water.

At the inquest, DCI Connick revealed that the toddler had been found approximately five metres from the bank, among submerged tree roots.

The water at that location was estimated to be around 1.8 metres deep.

A post-mortem examination was conducted at Addenbrooke’s Hospital mortuary in Cambridge. However, the hearing was told that Noah’s medical cause of death remained pending further investigation.

Assistant Coroner Jyoti Gill adjourned the inquest to a later date.

Police had not indicated that the discovery was suspicious

Following the discovery, Suffolk Constabulary confirmed that Noah’s death was not being treated as suspicious.

However, officers continued making enquiries before submitting their findings to the coroner.

The distinction is important: while the inquest revealed details about how Noah left the playground and where he was found, it did not establish every circumstance surrounding his death.

There has been no confirmed announcement that investigators discovered new evidence contradicting the initial account.

A little boy remembered by his family

Beyond the investigation, Noah’s family have been left to cope with an unimaginable loss.

His loved ones remembered him as a happy, cheeky and affectionate little boy who loved spending time with the people closest to him.

His father, Rhys Woods, described him as the sweetest and most innocent little boy, with nothing but love to give.

His mother, Charlie Peck, also shared an emotional message asking people to cherish their children and never take precious moments together for granted.

The family spoke about Noah’s affectionate personality and the joy he brought into their lives.

They also described how he had been making progress in his communication, learning new words and beginning to find his voice.

A community still remembers Noah

The search for Noah brought together an extraordinary number of people.

Around 1,300 members of the public joined police officers and emergency service workers, helping search surrounding streets, fields and other areas.

Suffolk Police praised the public response and thanked everyone who had supported the operation.

For the people of Brantham, the tragedy has also prompted renewed attention to playground safety and the importance of reviewing local emergency arrangements.

Noah’s story remains a painful reminder of how quickly an ordinary family outing can become a devastating experience.

As the investigation and inquest process continue, his family are left remembering the little boy whose life touched so many people in his community.