Father of Noah Woods, 3, pays tribute to son after body found following huge search

The father of a three-year-old boy who was found dead following a huge search described his son as the "sweetest and most innocent little boy".

Non-verbal and partially deaf Noah Woods became separated from a relative after visiting a playground in Merriam Close, Brantham on Tuesday afternoon, Suffolk Police said.

More than 24 hours after his disappearance, police confirmed late on Wednesday afternoon that dive teams had recovered a child's body from a lake known locally as Decoy Pond.

Helicopters, the coastguard, fire and rescue service, lowland search and rescue volunteers and other agencies also joined police in the search.

On Thursday, Noah's father Rhys Woods paid tribute to his son in a message shared on a community Facebook group.

He wrote: "As I'm sure you have all seen, the body that was found in Decoy Pond is our little Noah.

"There are no words to describe the pain of this loss, we are all absolutely heartbroken, Noah was the sweetest and most innocent little boy, with nothing but love to give, and we are going to miss him so very much.

He added: "This was the most heart-breaking outcome for us, we were just hoping that he would be hiding somewhere obvious where someone could find him, that's what we kept telling ourselves the whole time.

"From his daddy and mummy and little brother, Noah, you will be loved forever, you will never be forgotten and we miss you so so much, 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."

Mr Woods also shared a "heartfelt thank you to everyone in our community" and the emergency services who took part in the search to find Noah, alongside around 1,300 volunteers.

"It seems he has made an impact across the whole nation, you have all taken Noah into you're own hearts, with all the overwhelming help, we were all just trying to bring him home to us safe and sound," he said.

He added: "The compassion shown by all of you will never be forgotten by us, and brought us comfort and strength at the darkest time of our lives."

A fundraiser launched by Good Dads Club has so far raised more than £35,000 towards the family's expenses during this "heart-breaking time".

In an update on Wednesday, Superintendent Tom Pearse from Suffolk police said that the body of a child had been found in a nearby pond, and that Noah's family had been informed.

Formal identification has yet to take place, and the discovery is being treated as not suspicious but unexplained, he said.

Volunteers who were gathered in a garden area at Brantham Leisure Centre were brought to tears after Mr Pearse broke the news.

His own voice cracked as he praised those in attendance for helping in the search.

Superintendent Pearse said police had been "overwhelmed by the outpouring public support", and the number of volunteers "putting on their boots and helping us search".

"As a parent myself, I completely understand why people would want to help and such a response is one that typifies the strong sense of community and the heart-warming nature of Suffolk people that make the county such a special place," he said.

"I am sure you appreciate the family now need time, space and privacy and I thank you for your understanding in this."

Police released CCTV footage on Wednesday showing Noah's last known movements at the playground. It shows the toddler running and interacting with a piece of play equipment.

The massive ground search, which saw helicopters, sniffer dogs and thermal imaging used, was made more difficult because Noah would not have responded to his name if called.

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Brantham Parish Council said: "Our thoughts are with Noah's family, friends and everyone who knows and loves him at this incredibly difficult time."

The leisure centre, which had become a hub for search efforts and the massive community response, will remain open on Thursday to offer support, the council said.

(c) Sky News 2026: Father of Noah Woods, 3, pays tribute to son after body found following huge search