politics
Police Expand Search for Missing 14-Year-Old in Barnstaple
Devon and Cornwall Police are conducting extensive searches along the River Taw in Barnstaple for 14-year-old Taylor Charlton. Officers reported finding a pair of shoes believed to belong to the boy and urged the public to avoid sharing unconfirmed information.
May 17, 8:36 AM·1m read1 source
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Detectives and search specialists are continuing extensive enquiries in Devon to find missing 14-year-old Taylor Charlton, Devon and Cornwall Police said. The force stated that the community in Barnstaple could expect ongoing search activity around the River Taw on Sunday.
Taylor, who is 5ft 8in, muscular, with dark brown hair and a moustache, was last seen wearing a bright blue fitted top, jeans and bright blue Nike shoes.
Taylor was reported missing during the early evening of 9 May.
On Friday, a pair of shoes were found that police believe belonged to him, and the force said at the time he may have entered the water. Police said fire crews, the RNLI and HM Coastguard were involved in the search, while North Dartmoor Search and Rescue and Exmoor teams assisted.
The search and rescue team said it had covered coastal paths, river banks, woodland, abandoned buildings, field systems and streets.
The force said there had been an amazing response from the community and reiterated its request that unconfirmed information is not shared on social media. Police again thanked the public who have responded to appeals for information and said it would pursue all avenues of enquiry.
"There has been an amazing response from the community and we recognise how much everyone wants to help find Taylor. If you are out looking, please help us by not putting yourself at risk. This includes staying away from unsafe buildings and not going near the water or river banks.
