Police in Barnstaple are conducting an ongoing, high-profile search for 14-year-old Taylor Charlton, who disappeared near the River Taw on Friday 8 May. Despite a week of intensive efforts involving sonar boats, divers, drones, search dogs, and helicopter support, Taylor remains missing as the investigation moves into its third week.
Specialist teams from Intensive River Taw Search coordinated with HM Coastguard to monitor tides while scouring the River Taw and the nearby estuary. The search combined sonar technology, underwater divers, aerial drones, and canine units scanning the riverbanks, but no trace of Taylor has been found.
Two shoes believed to belong to Taylor were discovered on the high-tide line between Sticklepath and Bickington, approximately 480 metres apart. These were found on 13 and 14 May. Investigators suspect Taylor may have entered the water, although all possibilities remain under investigation.
On what would have been Taylor’s 15th birthday, a vigil was held at Rock Park. Parents Zoe and Alex expressed their gratitude to the community for its “incredible support.” They urged people to continue sharing information and called on local search groups to assist in bringing Taylor home.
Sector Inspector Andy Wills described the case as “extremely difficult and upsetting” for Taylor’s family and the local community. Police continue to review CCTV footage, carry out house-to-house enquiries, and follow up on new leads.
Anyone with information is asked to call 999 in emergencies or 101 quoting reference 50260117084.
Originally published by UKNIP.
