UK police have released CCTV images of a non-verbal child at the centre of a massive search taken just 20 minutes before the non-verbal and partially deaf youngster went missing.
The images came from CCTV footage taken of Noah, who is partially deaf and currently undergoing an autism diagnosis, just before he ran off from a playground in Brantham, Suffolk at 3pm on Tuesday.
The images emerged as dozens of volunteers joined the search for the youngster and his anguished father Rhys Woods broke his silence, saying he “cannot go another night knowing he is out there alone”.
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In another grim development the search for the child has narrowed in on a body of water nearby named Decoy Pond, which was cordoned off on Wednesday.
The new CCTV released by Suffolk Police show the bubbly youngster in a Bluey shirt running around a circular ride at 2.37pm, local time.
A number of volunteers could be seen on Wednesday quietly helping the search for the child, in keeping with police advice that Noah’s partial deafness meant he would not respond to his name being called.
Mr Woods revealed his anguish over the disappearance of his child, who was being watched by his grandfather at the time he ran off towards a new housing development by the pond.
“(Noah) is only mildly autistic and has partial hearing loss, he is fully capable of everyday tasks,” said Mr Woods, who made an urgent plea to volunteers helping in the search.
“We still have nothing, all the emergency services and all of you have shown how strong this community is, with people coming from far and wide also.
“The emergency services are very confident that the high risk areas (Decoy pond, railway lines) are all clear.
“This means knowing our boy, he has gone even further, could I ask that all of you brilliant people out there today expand further if you are able to?
“I cannot go another night knowing he’s out there alone, please don’t give up on him guys.
“He is out there somewhere and I appreciate every single one of you.”
Dog units, police and HM Coastguard helicopters have since been deployed in the desperate hunt for the tot, Suffolk Police said in a statement.
“Police have been searching for Noah since yesterday afternoon, including specially trained officers and dog units. These searches have been assisted by helicopters from the National Police Air Service and HM Coastguard, with further support on the ground provided by HM Coastguard, Suffolk Fire & Rescue Service, Suffolk Lowland Search & Rescue and a vast number of members of the public,” the statement read.
“Police are asking local residents to thoroughly check their gardens, sheds and outbuildings, or any potential areas where a child might hide away.
“Anyone with private CCTV or doorbell cameras in the village are asked to review the footage from 3pm yesterday afternoon onwards for any possible sightings of Noah.”
Superintendent Pete Partridge said: “We are very concerned for Noah’s welfare and need to find him as a matter of urgency.
CCTV images showing Noah before his disappearance on Tuesday.
Credit: Suffolk Police Credit: Suffolk Police/Supplied
“A vast number of resources have been deployed by ourselves, our emergency services colleagues and volunteers from SULSAR. These resources have been bolstered by members of the public who have turned out in large numbers to assist and we are incredibly grateful for their help and support.”