Missing boy's parents thank public on his birthday

The parents of a teenager who has been missing for almost three weeks have thanked their community for "incredible' support" on his 15th birthday.

Taylor Charlton was last seen in the Tesco Extra car park on Station Road, Barnstaple, Devon, at about 22:30 BST on 8 May.

Before a vigil was held at the town's Rock Park on Tuesday evening to mark his birthday, his parents Zoe and Alex said in a statement: "We cannot thank everyone enough for the time, effort and support they have given so far.

Devon and Cornwall Police said anyone with information about Charlton's whereabouts should contact them. He is described as 5ft 8ins (1.72m) tall, of muscular build, with dark brown hair and a moustache.

In their statement, Taylor's parents said: "We cannot thank everyone enough for the time, effort and support they have given so far.

"As Taylor's Mum and Dad, we would like to thank everyone locally and further afield for sharing posts across social media in the search for Taylor.

"Hundreds of people are continuing to look for him.

"If anyone would like to get involved in the search, please join the Facebook page and take part in one of the organised local searches."

The statement added: "Every extra pair of eyes could make a difference. Please continue sharing posts, staying vigilant and supporting the ongoing search efforts.

"We just want our son home."

A vigil was held at the town's Rock Park at 18:30 to mark his birthday before a community search operation took place an hour later.

About 20 people attended, which included Taylor's grandad Andy.

Balloons were set off and people signed birthday messages.

Andy said: "We just want him home, where he belongs because he is loved and missed by all of us.

"The people here have been so good, so generous with their time and effort."

Family friend Charlie was also present, saying: "We will not stop looking for him."

She added: "It does not matter how long it takes, we will still keep going."

Family and friends posted on a Facebook group about the gathering.

The post urged people to keep searching for Charlton.

It said: "Today is Taylor's 15th birthday - he isn't spending it at home with his family.

"He isn't waking up to presents, he isn't waking up to the upmost [sic] love and kindness."

Officers previously said they had conducted "rigorous and methodical" searches of the River Taw and its estuary.

The force added shoes believed to belong to the teenager were found 450m (1,476ft) apart on consecutive days on the high tide line on the riverbank between Sticklepath and Bickington.

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