Human remains recovered from the River Taw in Devon have been confirmed as belonging to missing teenager Taylor Charlton. The 14-year-old was last seen on May 8 around 10:30 p.m. in a car park on Station Road in Barnstaple, north Devon.
His disappearance triggered a large-scale search operation. Six weeks after he was last seen, his body was found in the River Taw. This discovery followed the finding of shoes believed to be his along the riverbank on consecutive days between Sticklepath and Bickington.
Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed the identification on July 31. The remains were spotted and recovered from the river on June 24. A spokesperson stated that the police are deeply saddened by the confirmation and that their thoughts are with Taylor's family, friends, and the local community.
In the time since Taylor vanished, a woman in her 40s and a 20-year-old man were arrested on suspicion of murder. Both remain on police bail as inquiries continue.
Taylor's family had made public appeals for his return. His mother, Zoe, expressed her desperation for him to come home, while his father, Alex, described him as a loving and special lad. A community search was also organized to coincide with what would have been his 15th birthday.
Police are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Taylor's death and have urged the public to avoid speculation online.