Noah Woods disappeared from a playground in Merriam Close, Brantham, on Tuesday, September 15.

A body was later found in Decoy Pond and formally identified as Noah.

At the opening of his inquest on Friday, the coroner said Noah left the play area through a gap in the fence and ran away through an open gate.

Tributes were left at the playground in Merriam Close (Image: Lucy Taylor)

In a statement issued through Suffolk Constabulary, his family said: "Noah was a happy, cheeky, playful three-year-old boy who loved to laugh, loved to giggle and who brought joy wherever he went.

"He was part of a loving and caring family, living with his mummy, daddy and his little baby brother.

"He was at the centre of our world. Noah was being assessed for autism, although he had not received a diagnosis.

"He also had mild hearing loss and was speech delayed. Despite the challenges he faced, he was learning every day."

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© Eastern Daily Press