Investigators continue to search for the missing 15-year-old last seen in Barnstaple on May 8
Taylor Charlton has been missing since May 8(Image: Family Handout/Devon and Cornwall Police)
Police have shared an update after a man was arrested on suspicion of the murder of missing teen Taylor Charlton.
In an update this afternoon, police said the young man had been released on police bail.
The 20-year-old was arrested yesterday (Friday, June 12) at an undisclosed address in North Devon, with senior police stating that they had received evidence which suggested that “someone may have been involved in harming Taylor”.
At the time, senior investigation officer Det Insp Charlotte Heath said the force had committed extensive resources to finding Taylor since he went missing on May 8 and that, despite the arrest, the 15-year-old’s whereabouts is still unknown.
She said: “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.
Taylor Charlton has been missing since May 8(Image: Devon and Cornwall Police)
“That has included the arrest today of a male and his subsequent police interview. Taylor’s family have been informed of this development.
“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.”
On June 5 Taylor’s parents shared a deeply moving plea for information about Taylor and his whereabouts.
Addressing him directly, his mum, Zoe, said: “Taylor, I am absolutely desperate for you to come home. I love you so much and I am worried sick about you.
“You are not in trouble. Please reach out to someone. We are all waiting for you with open arms.”
Taylor’s dad, Alex, added: “If there is anything anyone knows, please come forward. Taylor is a loving, loyal and special lad and we can’t wait to have him home again.”
The force and Taylor’s family have urged the public to avoid speculation, including the sharing of any unconfirmed information online.
In a comment shared on the Find Taylor Charlton Facebook group, Andy Charlton said: “Hello all, I’m Taylors’ grandad and can I please reiterate that we do not want speculation and allow the police to do their investigation.
“Remember that the male involved has been arrested on suspicion. Thank you all for your continued support to the family.”
A spokesman for Devon and Cornwall said this afternoon (Saturday, June 13): “The 20-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on police bail until September pending further enquiries.”
The last confirmed sighting of Taylor is on CCTV near a footpath close to Tarka Leisure Centre and the Seven Brethren car park, Barnstaple, at 10.41pm on Friday, May 8. He was seen heading in the direction of the River Taw.
Police say they would still like to hear from anyone who was in that immediate area at or around that time and thinks they may have seen Taylor.
Anyone in possession of any CCTV or digital recording from the immediate area at the relevant time, who has not already contacted police, is also asked to get in touch via 101, quoting reference number 50260117084, or 999 if the information is urgent.