The desperate search for three-year-old Noah Woods in Brantham, Suffolk, has ended in tragedy after police and rescue teams recovered the body of a child from a local pond.

Noah disappeared on September 16 after becoming separated from a relative near the Merriam Close playground at around 3 p.m. His disappearance prompted a large-scale emergency response across the village and surrounding areas.

Suffolk Constabulary confirmed that police and fire rescue personnel recovered a child’s body from Decoy Pond, a body of water close to the area where Noah was last seen. At the time of the announcement, formal identification had not yet taken place, but police said Noah’s family had been informed of the discovery.

Authorities said the circumstances surrounding the discovery were being treated as unexplained. Investigators also said they did not currently believe the circumstances were suspicious, and the coroner had been notified.

The search for Noah had involved an enormous community effort. More than 1,300 members of the public and volunteers joined emergency teams as they searched fields, pathways, ditches and waterways.

Police resources included the National Police Air Service, HM Coastguard helicopters, thermal imaging equipment and specialist search dogs. Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service and Suffolk Lowland Search and Rescue also took part in the operation.

Noah was described as a particularly vulnerable child. He was autistic, non-verbal and partially deaf, meaning he could not easily call for help or respond when his name was shouted.

Superintendent Tom Pearse of Suffolk Constabulary addressed volunteers and members of the public outside the Brantham Leisure Centre following the discovery. He thanked the hundreds of people who had given their time to search for the missing child.

“As a parent myself, I completely understand why people would want to help,” Pearse said, describing the response as a reflection of the community spirit in Suffolk.

The announcement brought an emotional end to days of searching, with many volunteers reportedly breaking down in tears.

Noah’s father, Rhys Woods, had previously appealed publicly for people to continue searching and not give up hope.

The family is now facing an unimaginable period of grief as formal identification and the coroner’s process continue.

Police have asked the public and media to give Noah’s family privacy and time as they come to terms with the devastating development.

💔 For days, hundreds of people searched because they wanted to bring Noah home safely. Now, a community that stood together in hope is mourning alongside his family. 🕊️🙏