Police issue drone warning in search for boy, 14

Police have warned people not to use drones in an area where officers are searching for a missing teenager.

Insp Andy Willis said drone flights were prohibited amid "a significant investigation" following the disappearance of 14-year-old Taylor Charlton in north Devon.

Taylor is described as 5ft 8in (1.72m), muscular, with dark brown hair and a moustache. He was reported missing on 9 May and last seen wearing a bright blue fitted top, jeans and bright blue Nike shoes.

Devon and Cornwall Police said the community in north Devon could expect to see "ongoing search activity" across the Barnstaple area on Monday. It said the use of drones by the public risked the safety of emergency staff.

On Friday, a pair of shoes were found that police believe belonged to Taylor, who was last seen on 8 May at about 22:40 BST near a Tesco in the Seven Brethren area. The force said at the time he may have entered the water.

Wills said detectives were keeping all options open in their efforts to find Taylor.

Police said dive teams, search specialists, fire crews, search and rescue teams, the RNLI and HM Coastguard were involved in the search.

Unauthorised drone flights would be treated as interference with an emergency incident and may result in prosecution, Wills added.

He thanked members of the community who had supported the search and reminded people not to put themselves at risk if they were out looking for the missing teenager.

Wills also asked people to avoid speculating on social media, saying unconfirmed information could make inquiries more challenging.

Anyone with new information should call the police on 999, he added.

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