šŸ’”ā€œTHE MYSTERY MAY FINALLY BE UNRAVELLINGā€¦ā€ Divers have now joined the search for the missing 14-year-Ļƒld schoolboy in Barnstaple, Devon, as police release further CRUCIAL evidence, slowly piecing together the answers behind the disappearanceā€¦

SPECIALIST diving teams and equipment have been used to scour a river during the desperate search for a missing schoolboy.

Taylor Charlton, 14, vanished almost two weeks ago in Barnstaple,Ā Devon as concern has grown that he entered the River Taw.

Missing 14-year-old Taylor Charlton, a fair-skinned young man with a slight mustache and dark hair, wearing a blue t-shirt and light-wash jeans.
Police fear 14-year-old Taylor Charlton may have entered the River Taw after two shoes were found in the areaCredit: Devon & Cornwall Police

 

Coastguard rescue teams walk along a paved path next to a river.
Police search specialists and detectives are continuing extensive enquiriesCredit: Devon & Cornwall Police

Police recently found aĀ pair of shoesĀ 500m apart during an extensive search for the teen sparking concern that he may have entered the River Taw which connects with the sea.

Sonar-equipped boats and divers searched the river and banks yesterday, along with drones, search dogs andĀ policeĀ helicopters.

But despite this significant effort, Taylor hasĀ not yet been found.

Taylor was last spotted at aĀ Tesco Extra car park on Station Road at around 10.30pm on the Friday and was reported missing the next day.

Illustration of a map showing the last sightings and search area for a missing 14-year-old boy near River Taw and Barnstaple, UK, including a photo of the boy.
A map showing Taylorā€™s last seen location and where officers found a pair of shoes believed to be his

 

Aerial view of Barnstaple in North Devon showing the town center, clock tower, and museum along the River Taw.
Sonar equipment has been used to scour the River Taw areaCredit: Alamy

A large-scale hunt to find the boy has since developed, with officers reviewingĀ CCTV footageĀ from the area and carrying out door-to-door witness inquiries.

The river and surrounding estuary have been extensively searched, according to Devon Police who released a statement yesterday explaining that specialist divers searched the area.

Sector Inspector Andy Wills said: ā€œWe fully understand how difficult and upsetting this continues to be for Taylorā€™s family, friends, and the wider community.

ā€œOur thoughts remain firmly with them. Taylorā€™s family continue to be updated and supported by specially-trained officers.

ā€œThe River Taw and its estuary present an extremely challenging environment to search, particularly given tidal conditions.

ā€œOver the past week, a rigorous and methodical search of the area has been conducted with support from specialist resources and equipment and partner agencies.

ā€œI want to reassure the public that our investigation remains very much active.

ā€œDetectives continue to carry out extensive enquiries, review information, and carefully assess any new intelligence that comes to light.

ā€œOur commitment to doing everything we can to provide clarity and to find answers for Taylorā€™s loved-ones will not stop.

ā€œFurther searches can and will take place if further information comes to light as part of continuing enquiries.

ā€œWe are very grateful for the support shown by the local community throughout this difficult time. It has been significant and deeply appreciated.ā€

The police have again urged anyone with urgent information to call 999, or in less pressing circumstances call 101 quoting reference number 50260117084.

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