Police investigation launched over 'repulsive' Noah Woods social media post
Police have launched an investigation over the sharing of a 'repulsive' post about three-year-old Noah Woods, who was tragically found dead after going missing.
The toddler's body was found following a major overnight search involving thousands of volunteers and emergency services in Brantham, Suffolk.
Now, a 'meme' posted online referencing Madeleine McCann, which LADbible has chosen not to share, has been the subject of numerous complaints to detectives on the case.
Three-year-old Noah had disappeared from sight in a playground near the family home. His father shared a heartbreaking plea for him to be brought home safely, before it was confirmed on Thursday (17 September) that police had discovered a body in the nearby Decoy Pond.
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Suffolk Police confirmed that formal identification had taken place and the body discovered was indeed Noah's.
Superintendent Tom Pearse said: “I want to once again extend our thoughts and deepest sympathy to Noah’s family and thank them for their patience and understanding throughout the searches.
“It was clear from the media coverage we saw that they not only had all of Suffolk behind them, but an outpouring of goodwill from across the entire country and beyond.
“I know how grateful Noah’s family are for all the support and kind messages they have received, but would reiterate our plea to now allow them the time, space and privacy they need at this deeply distressing time."
The police force has now confirmed it is looking into complaints about a 'meme' shared online regarding Noah.
The post, which LADbible has chosen not to share, appeared on Facebook.
Along with a picture of Noah, it referenced the search for Madeleine McCann, who went missing aged three from a holiday apartment in Portugal back in 2007.
The post was branded 'repulsive' and 'disgusting' in a flurry of online responses, in which one person wrote: "The entire nation has been heartbroken by the news out of Suffolk regarding little Noah Woods. To see people already weaponising this tragedy online to mock him and Madeline McCann less than a day later is utterly repulsive."
Another commented: "There will always be sick armchair detectives who think they know better... sad world we live in." A third penned: "This is disgusting and needs dealing with."
The user who shared the original post later responded on their Facebook page, apologising over the 'meme', adding: "I have removed the post and I can only apologise for sharing something that causes so many people to feel some way about it.
"I saw it as dark humour and the timing couldn't have been any worse, I sincerely apologise."
Suffolk Police have confirmed that it has received ‘multiple reports’ over the post and that officers are currently looking into it.
"We've had multiple reports of this and it is being looked into," a spokesperson for the force simply said.
On Thursday evening, Noah's father Rhys spoke out since the the heartbreaking discovery, writing that he hoped his son was simply hiding somewhere.
Posting on Facebook, Rhys 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.
"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.
"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."
Mourners have been invited to leave flowers and teddies at the Merriam Close play park, where Noah was last seen before going missing.
A fundraiser set up to support the family has already raised over £90,000 at the time of writing.
Topics: UK News, Social Media
James Holt