Search for missing teen 'still very much active'

Police have said the investigation to locate missing teenager Taylor Charlton is "still very much active" despite completing searches of a Devon river and estuary.

Devon and Cornwall Police said Taylor, 14, who went missing from the Barnstaple area on the 8 May, had still not been located.

Detectives said there had been a "rigorous and methodical" search of the River Taw and its estuary but inquiries continued to establish the circumstances surrounding his disappearance.

Police said their thoughts remained with Taylor's family and friends who were being updated and supported by specially trained officers.

Sector Insp Andy Wills said: "We fully understand how difficult and upsetting this continues to be for Taylor's family, friends and the wider community."

"The River Taw and its estuary present an extremely challenging environment to search, particularly given tidal conditions.

"Over the past week, a rigorous and methodical search of the area has been conducted."

He said detectives continued to carry out extensive inquiries, review information, and carefully assess any new intelligence that came to light.

Wills added: "Our commitment to doing everything we can to provide clarity and to find answers for Taylor's loved-ones will not stop.

"Further searches can and will take place if further information comes to light."

Police said investigators believed Taylor may have entered the water after the last confirmed sighting of him was captured on CCTV in the Tesco Extra car park in Station Road, Barnstaple, at about 22:30 BST.

Police said after Taylor was reported missing at 17:15 on 9 May, shoes believed to belong to him were found on two consecutive days on the high tide line on the riverbank, some 450m (1476ft) apart between Sticklepath and Bickington.

Follow BBC Devon on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@bbc.co.uk.