Murder arrest in case of missing schoolboy, 15, last seen by river five weeks ago

A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with the disappearance of a teenager in Devon last month.

Taylor Charlton, 15, remains missing after vanishing from the town of Barnstaple, where he was last seen on the night of May 8.

His last confirmed sighting was on CCTV near the Tarka Leisure center and the Seven Brethren car park at 10.41pm, when he was pictured walking in the direction of the River Taw.

Until now, the evidence suggested no involvement of a third party.

But officers have now arrested a 20-year-old man after receiving new information connected to the case.

Taylor’s family have been informed of the latest development.

Senior investigation officer DI Charlotte Heath said: ‘Devon and Cornwall Police, supported by specialists from neighboring forces, have committed extensive resources to finding Taylor over the last five weeks.

‘Sadly, despite this, his whereabouts remain unknown. Much of the information we have gathered does not indicate the involvement of a third-party.

‘This week, we have received new information that someone may have been involved in harming Taylor and, as a result, we have taken action to fully understand this.

‘That has included the arrest today of a male and his subsequent police interview. Taylor’s family have been informed of this development.’

She added: ‘This remains one line of enquiry, amid many, and we will leave no stone unturned.

‘Our thoughts are very much with his family and friends at this difficult time.’

Sector inspector Andy Wills said: ‘We remain committed to find answers for Taylor’s loved ones and fully assessing and acting upon any new intelligence that comes to light as part of this.

‘We remain open-minded and all lines of enquiry will be thoroughly reviewed in order to ensure we understand, as far as we are able, what has happened to Taylor.

‘Our officers are working tirelessly to ensure this, and all, relevant lines of enquiry are fully investigated.

‘We know how upsetting and concerning this news will be for Taylor’s family, friends, and the wider community.

‘Taylor’s family continue to be updated and supported by specialist officers.

‘We are asking members of the public to help us by avoiding speculation, especially sharing any unconfirmed information online, and allowing detectives to continue our investigation.’

Anyone with footage of Taylor’s whereabouts should call police on 999 for urgent information or 101 for less pressing details, quoting reference number  50260117084.

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