Devon & Cornwall Police News site

A major search operation is continuing in Barnstaple to find missing 14-year-old Taylor Charlton.

Detectives and specialist police teams, supported by partner agencies, have been carrying out extensive enquiries in the North Devon town.

Taylor was last seen at around 10.40pm on Friday 8 May near Tesco in the Seven Brethren area.

He was reported as missing on the early evening of Saturday 9 May.

Searches have resulted in a pair of shoes, it is believed belong to Taylor, being found near to the River Taw in the Tarka Trail area between Sticklepath and Bickington.

While detectives are keeping all avenues of enquiry open, a hypothesis that Taylor may have entered the water has resulted in searches being concentrated on this area as a priority.   

Taylor’s family have been made aware of this development.

Sector Inspector Andy Wills said: “Detectives are keeping an open investigative mindset in our efforts to find Taylor.

“A hypothesis that Taylor may have entered the River Taw is currently being prioritised in our lines of enquiry. Our searches are currently focussing on this area.

“We are asking the public to help us with this by avoiding the search area. In particular, any activity on the water could significantly disrupt the search operation and put you and members of the emergency services at risk.

“We would also like to remind members of the public that drone flights are prohibited in the area while searches are ongoing.

“All of the search activity is being directed by accredited police search advisers, who are defining search areas in consultation with colleagues including HM Coastguard. The public should expect to see focussed search activity around the River Taw.

“I recognise how much the community wants to help to find Taylor. If you are out looking, please take care and avoid putting yourself at risk. This includes entering unsafe buildings or going near the water.

“If you become aware of an area that you think may be relevant, please pass this information on to us.

“Anyone with information, including any sightings of Taylor, is asked to call police immediately on 999 quoting reference 50260117084.

“We also ask people avoid sharing speculation on social media as unconfirmed information can sometimes make enquiries more challenging.”

Taylor is a 14-year-old male, around 5ft 8ins tall, of muscular build, with dark brown hair and a moustache. He was last seen wearing a bright blue fitted top, jeans and bright blue Nike shoes.

Specialist police teams will continue to be involved in searches, including dive teams and trained search officers.

We are also grateful for the continued support of our partner agencies including Devon & Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, the RNLI, and HM Coastguard.