Searches continue for missing 14-year-old boy in Barnstaple
Police are asking people not to speculate on social media and avoid search areas
Police are continuing their searches for a missing teenager in Barnstaple.
14-year-old Taylor Charlton was last seen at around 10.40pm on Friday 8 May near Tesco in the Seven Brethren area.
He was reported as missing on the early evening of Saturday 9 May.
Detectives have been carrying out extensive enquires in the town and a pair of shoes they believe belong to Taylor have been found near the River Taw in the Tarka Trial area between Sticklepath and Bickington.
Devon and Cornwall Police say they keeping all avenues open but they believe Taylor may have entered the water as a result searches are being on concentrated on this area as priority.
The force added that Taylor's family have been informed of the development.
Sector Inspector Andy Wills said: “Detectives are keeping an open investigative mindset in our efforts to find Taylor.
“A hypothesis that Taylor may have entered the River Taw is currently being prioritised in our lines of enquiry. Our searches are currently focussing on this area.
“We are asking the public to help us with this by avoiding the search area. In particular, any activity on the water could significantly disrupt the search operation and put you and members of the emergency services at risk.
“We would also like to remind members of the public that drone flights are prohibited in the area while searches are ongoing.
“All of the search activity is being directed by accredited police search advisers, who are defining search areas in consultation with colleagues including HM Coastguard. The public should expect to see focussed search activity around the River Taw.
“I recognise how much the community wants to help to find Taylor. If you are out looking, please take care and avoid putting yourself at risk. This includes entering unsafe buildings or going near the water.
“If you become aware of an area that you think may be relevant, please pass this information on to us.
“Anyone with information, including any sightings of Taylor, is asked to call police immediately on 999 quoting reference 50260117084.
“We also ask people avoid sharing speculation on social media as unconfirmed information can sometimes make enquiries more challenging.”