Search under way for boy missing from Suffolk playground

Emergency services and members of the public are searching for a three-year-old boy who went missing at a playground.

Noah Woods was with a relative at the small park at Merriam Close in Brantham, but “became separated” from them as they left at about 15:00 BST, Suffolk Police said.

The toddler, who is partially deaf, autistic and non-verbal, was reported to have run down a nearby alleyway towards a newbuild housing estate.

“We ask local residents to please check their outbuildings, gardens and sheds, and report any sightings to police on 999,” Supt Pete Partridge said.

A helicopter has been pictured flying over the scene, which is near the estuary of the River Stour and close to the Essex border.

Police described Noah as white, with curly ginger hair, and said he would not respond to his name being called.

In a statements released overnight, police said efforts to find him were still ongoing.

“We are grateful for the support from the public, however ask people not to undertake independent searches overnight. It’s important that any public searches are coordinated with police.”