A PAIR of shoes have been found near a river in the search for a missing teenager who disappeared over a week ago.
Taylor Charlton, 14, was last seen late on the night of Friday, May 8, near a Tesco in Barnstaple, Devon, and was reported missing the following evening.
Police teams have been pictured over the weekend scouring a field and the banks of the River Taw near where the schoolboy disappeared in the Seven Brethren area.
Devon and Cornwall Police said it is “continuing extensive enquiries” today and thanked the public for its help after initial appeals yesterday.
It said: “Searches have resulted in a pair of shoes, it is believed belong to Taylor, being found near to the River Taw in the Tarka Trail area between Sticklepath and Bickington.”
In an update on Sunday afternoon, the force said: “The community can expect to see ongoing search activity around the River Taw area.
“Thank you to all members of the public who have responded to our appeals for information to date.
“We continue to review all information received and will pursue all avenues of enquiry.”
Taylor was last seen at around 10.40pm on May 8 near the supermarket in the Seven Brethren area.
The press release added: “Taylor is around 5ft 8ins tall, of muscular build, with dark brown hair and a moustache.
“He was last seen wearing a bright blue fitted top, jeans and bright blue Nike shoes.
There has been an amazing response from the community and we recognise how much everyone wants to help find Taylor.
“If you are out looking, please help us by not putting yourself at risk.
“This includes staying away from unsafe buildings and not going near the water or river banks.
“Speculation being shared on social media can also make our enquiries more challenging.
“Please avoid sharing any unconfirmed information online.”
The force added it is continuing to ask that anyone with information, including any sightings of Taylor, calls police immediately on 999 quoting reference 50260117084.
