Authorities in Barnstaple, Devon, continue the urgent search for 14-year-old Taylor Charlton following a significant development in the case. Police have confirmed that a pair of shoes believed to belong to the missing teenager were discovered near the River Taw along the Tarka Trail, prompting a renewed focus on the area.
According to Devon and Cornwall Police, the shoes were found on Friday, May 15, between Sticklepath and Bickington. While investigators stress that all lines of inquiry remain open, a working hypothesis that Taylor may have entered the river has led search teams to prioritize efforts along the waterway. His family has been informed of the development as the investigation continues.
Taylor Charlton was last seen at approximately 10:40 p.m. on Friday, May 8, near the Tesco Extra store in the Seven Brethren area of Barnstaple. He is described as around five feet eight inches tall, of muscular build, with dark brown hair and a moustache. At the time of his disappearance, he was wearing a bright blue fitted top, jeans, and bright blue Nike shoes.
Extensive search operations have been underway, involving specialist police dive teams, the fire service, coastguard units, and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, alongside volunteer groups such as Exmoor Search and Rescue. These coordinated efforts are focusing heavily on the River Taw and surrounding areas as investigators work to locate the missing teenager.
Police have urged members of the public to avoid the active search zones, particularly the river, warning that interference could hinder operations and pose safety risks. They have also emphasized that drone flights are prohibited in the area during the ongoing search. Anyone with information or sightings of Taylor Charlton is asked to contact emergency services immediately by calling 999 and quoting reference number 50260117084.
About the Author
