Significant investigation into missing teenage boy

Police have launched a "significant investigation" into the disappearance of a 14-year-old boy who has been missing for six days.

Devon and Cornwall Police said Taylor Charlton was last seen at about 22:40 BST on 8 May, near Tesco in the Seven Brethren area of Barnstaple.

He is a described as about 5ft 8ins tall, of muscular build, with dark brown hair and a moustache, and was last seen wearing a bright blue fitted top, jeans and bright blue Nike shoes.

Insp Andy Wills said a "significant investigation is ongoing, and detectives are keeping all options open in our efforts to find Taylor".

Specialist police teams are involved in the operation, including dive teams and trained search officers.

Devon & Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, the RNLI, HM Coastguard and a number of volunteer search and rescue groups are also involved.

Insp Wills said: "Today, as we continue searching for Taylor, people in the community will continue to see activity across the Barnstaple area involving emergency services and volunteer search teams."

Members of the public have also been asked not to fly drones in the area as they "pose a significant risk to the safety of emergency personnel and could hinder the investigation".

The police said they "know how much people want to help" but urged the community to "take care and avoid putting yourself at risk, including entering unsafe buildings or going near the water".

Anyone with information including dash-cam, doorbell or CCTV footage, or who becomes aware of an area that may be relevant to the investigation is asked to contact the police.

People are also urged to avoid sharing speculation on social media as "unconfirmed information can sometimes make inquiries more challenging," Insp Will added.

He said: "I would like to sincerely thank everyone who has supported the search so far and those who have already shared information with us.

"Every detail, no matter how small, helps us build a clearer picture and focus our efforts."

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