Birmingham residents have called for a US-style Amber Alert system to be introduced in the UK as the search for three-year-old Noah Woods entered its second day. Noah went missing while playing with a relative in Suffolk, prompting more than 100 people to join the search yesterday.
The America's Missing: Broadcast Emergency Response system, known as Amber Alert, sends text messages and triggers emergency broadcast systems on TV and radio, electronic road signs, and social media. Supporters argue such a system could speed up public assistance in cases like Noah's.
Public calls for emergency alert system
Several Brummies took to social media to express their support for the alert system. Laura Elizabeth said: "Need an amber alert system like in the US." Fi Anoif posted: "This is when we need the emergency alert phone system put in place."
The calls come as Suffolk Police continue to coordinate the search effort. Officers have urged the public not to undertake independent searches, warning that uncoordinated efforts could hinder the investigation.
Description of missing Noah Woods
Suffolk Police described Noah as white, with curly ginger hair. He was last seen wearing a white Bluey T-shirt, shorts and black Vans trainers with a white stripe. He was also described as non-verbal, had partial hearing loss and was currently undergoing an assessment for autism. Because of these vulnerabilities, he would not respond to his name, the force said.
Supt Pete Partridge said: "Given that fast-moving nature of the investigation, it is important any public searches are coordinated with police to ensure we are working together, and that our resources are directed where they can be most effective."
Police urge public to check gardens and CCTV
Partridge added: "We therefore ask people do not put themselves at risk or undertake independent searches. We will continue to keep Noah's family and the public updated on the progress of our searches and investigation."
"We know people want to help and so we are urging residents to carefully read our requests to check their gardens and outbuildings and review any CCTV or dashcam footage as a priority. Anyone who believes they have seen Noah is asked to contact us immediately."
