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, Devon as concern has grown that he entered the River Taw.
Police recently found a pair of shoes 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 and police helicopters.
But despite this significant effort, Taylor has not yet been found.
Taylor was last spotted at a Tesco Extra car park on Station Road at around 10.30pm on the Friday and was reported missing the next day.
A large-scale hunt to find the boy has since developed, with officers reviewing CCTV footage 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: “We fully understand how difficult and upsetting this continues to be for Taylor’s family, friends, and the wider community.
“Our thoughts remain firmly with them. Taylor’s family continue to be updated and supported by specially-trained officers.
“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 with support from specialist resources and equipment and partner agencies.
“I want to reassure the public that our investigation remains very much active.
“Detectives continue to carry out extensive enquiries, review information, and carefully assess any new intelligence that comes to light.
“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 as part of continuing enquiries.
“We are very grateful for the support shown by the local community throughout this difficult time. It has been significant and deeply appreciated.”
The police have again urged anyone with urgent information to call 999, or in less pressing circumstances call 101 quoting reference number 50260117084.
