A major search operation is under way for a three-year-old boy named Noah, who went missing after visiting a playground in Brantham, near Manningtree. Suffolk Police said he was last seen at 3pm on Tuesday, when he became separated from a relative at the playground in Merriam Close.
Search underway with coastguard helicopter
A Coastguard helicopter was seen circling the village, which lies close to the estuary of the River Stour. Officers believe Noah ran down an alleyway beside the playground towards a nearby new-build housing estate.
The boy is described as white with curly ginger hair. He was last seen wearing a white T-shirt featuring the TV character Bluey, shorts and white trainers.
Residents urged to check gardens and sheds
A Suffolk Constabulary spokesperson said: "Emergency services are currently in Brantham conducting searches. Residents in the area are asked to check their gardens, sheds and outbuildings."
According to the BBC, more than 100 people had joined the search effort by Tuesday evening.
Coastguard assisting police
An HM Coastguard spokesperson said: "We are assisting Suffolk Constabulary with an incident at Brantham by sending an HM Coastguard helicopter and Coastguard Rescue Teams from Felixstowe and Holbrook."
Anyone who believes they may have seen Noah is urged to contact Suffolk Police, quoting CAD 203 of September 15.
