14/05/2026
UPDATE | Extensive searches and enquiries are continuing today as 14-year-old Taylor Charlton, from Barnstaple, remains missing.
Taylor was last seen at around 10.40pm on Friday 8 May near Tesco in the Seven Brethren area.
Sector Inspector Andy Wills said: “A significant investigation is ongoing, and detectives are keeping all options open in our efforts to find Taylor.
“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.
“We would kindly ask members of the public not to fly drones in the area while this search is ongoing. Drone flights are prohibited in the vicinity of the ongoing emergency service incident until further notice. The use of drones in or near the location poses a significant risk to the safety of emergency personnel and could hinder the investigation
“We know how much people want to help, if you are out looking, please take care and avoid putting yourself at risk, including 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.
“We also ask people to avoid sharing speculation on social media. We understand people want to help; however unconfirmed information can sometimes make enquiries more challenging. If you have any information that could assist, please report it directly to police.
“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. Please continue to get in touch if you have anything that may assist, including dash-cam, doorbell or CCTV footage.
“Specialist police teams will continue to be involved in today’s searches, including dive teams and trained search officers. We are also very grateful for the continued support of our partner agencies, including Devon & Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, the RNLI, HM Coastguard and a number of volunteer search and rescue groups.”
Taylor is a 14-year-old male, around 5ft 8ins tall, of muscular build, with dark brown hair and a moustache. He was last seen wearing a bright blue fitted top, jeans and bright blue Nike shoes.
Unauthorised drone flights will be treated as interference with an emergency incident and may result in prosecution.
Anyone with information which they have not yet reported, is asked to call police immediately on 999 quoting 50260117084.
