Police say search for boy, 14, is now 'extensive'

Detectives and search specialists are continuing "extensive" inquiries in Devon to find missing 14-year-old Taylor Charlton, police have said.

Devon and Cornwall Police said the community in Barnstaple could expect to see "ongoing search activity" around the River Taw on Sunday.

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

The force said there had been an "amazing response" from the community and reiterated its request that "unconfirmed information" is not shared on social media.

Police said fire crews, the RNLI and HM Coastguard were involved in the search, while North Dartmoor Search and Rescue said it had assisted alongside their counterparts from Exmoor.

The search and rescue team said it had covered "coastal paths, river banks, woodland, abandoned buildings, field systems and streets".

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.

Police again thanked the public who have responded to appeals for information and said it would "pursue all avenues of enquiry".

"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."

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