NOAH WOODS INQUEST REVEALS HOW THREE-YEAR-OLD LEFT PLAYGROUND BEFORE TRAGIC DEATH

The final movements of three-year-old Noah Woods have been revealed at an inquest, as his grieving family paid tribute to a little boy they said brought “joy wherever he went.”

Noah disappeared from a playground in Brantham, Suffolk, on September 15, 2026, sparking a huge search involving emergency services and around 1,300 members of the public.

His body was recovered from nearby Decoy Pond the following day.

An inquest into his death was opened and adjourned at Suffolk Coroner’s Court in Ipswich on September 25. Police have said Noah’s death is not being treated as suspicious.

NOAH LEFT THROUGH A GAP IN THE FENCE

Detective Chief Inspector Matthew Connick told the inquest that Noah had been visiting an under-fives play area in Merriam Close with a relative as part of his normal routine.

CCTV showed Noah playing with the relative at the playground.

The first footage was recorded at around 2:13 p.m., while the last recorded sighting of him playing was at approximately 2:37 p.m.

However, police stressed that the CCTV system was motion-activated and therefore did not provide continuous footage.

DCI Connick said Noah then left the play area “through a gap in the fence” leading toward a memorial garden.

He subsequently went through an open gate and headed in the direction of Decoy Pond.

His relative followed closely behind, attempting to keep up with him and shouting after him.

After approximately 200 metres, however, Noah was no longer visible.

Police were called and a large-scale search operation began.

A MASSIVE SEARCH FOR THE LITTLE BOY

The disappearance prompted an extraordinary response from the local community.

Around 1,300 members of the public joined police and emergency services in searching Brantham and the surrounding area.

Specialist teams from multiple agencies were involved, including Suffolk Police, the Metropolitan Police Dive Team, the National Police Air Service, Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service, HM Coastguard and search-and-rescue volunteers.

Despite the enormous search effort, there was no immediate sign of Noah.

The following day, September 16, Metropolitan Police divers searching Decoy Pond recovered the body of a child.

The body was found approximately five metres from the bank, among submerged tree roots, at an estimated depth of 1.8 metres.

Noah was formally identified by his mother, Charlie Peck, at Ipswich Hospital.

His death was confirmed by paramedics at approximately 4:31 p.m.

HIS FAMILY WANTS NOAH REMEMBERED AS A HAPPY LITTLE BOY

Following the inquest, Noah’s family released a deeply emotional tribute.

They described him as a “happy, cheeky, playful three-year-old boy” who loved to laugh and giggle.

“He brought joy wherever he went,” the family said.

Noah lived with his mother, father and baby brother, whom he adored.

His family said he loved spending time with his younger brother, entertaining him and making him laugh.

They described the bond between the two children as “incredibly special.”

The family also explained that Noah had been undergoing an assessment for autism, although he had not received a diagnosis.

He had mild hearing loss and was speech delayed, but was continuing to learn new words.

One of the things his family said they would miss most was the unique sound of his voice.

“HOLD YOUR CHILDREN A LITTLE TIGHTER”

Noah’s mother Charlie also shared a heartbreaking message for other parents.

“If there is one thing we could ask of people, it is to hold their children a little tighter, cherish every moment, and never take those precious memories for granted,” she said.

The family said they wanted Noah’s final memory to be one of happiness rather than tragedy.

They asked people to remember him running, playing chase, giggling and being the happy little boy that he was.

HIS FATHER: “THE SWEETEST AND MOST INNOCENT LITTLE BOY”

Earlier, Noah’s father Rhys Woods described his son as the “sweetest and most innocent little boy.”

In a tribute shared after Noah’s body was found, Rhys said the family was “absolutely heartbroken.”

He thanked the hundreds of people who joined the search and said the support shown to the family had provided comfort during the darkest period of their lives.

“It has been a privilege to be your parents and be able to have packed so much love in the short three years you were with us,” the family said.

CAUSE OF DEATH IS STILL UNDER INVESTIGATION

A post-mortem examination was carried out at Addenbrooke’s Hospital mortuary in Cambridge.

At the inquest, police said the medical cause of death remained pending further investigation.

Suffolk Police have said there is no indication that Noah’s death was suspicious, although officers still have enquiries to complete before submitting their findings to the coroner.

The inquest has now been adjourned, with a further date to be confirmed.

For Noah’s family, however, the investigation can never change the most painful fact of all.

Their little boy, who loved laughter, hugs, his baby brother and playing in the park, is gone.

They now want him remembered not for the circumstances of his death, but for the happiness he brought during his short three years of life.