Human remains believed to be those of a missing teenager have been found in a river, leading to the initiation of a murder investigation. The teenager, Taylor Charlton, aged 15, was last spotted on May 8 near Tarka Leisure Centre and the Seven Brethren car park in Barnstaple, Devon. He was observed walking towards the River Taw, prompting authorities and local organizations to search for him over the past six weeks.
On Thursday, June 25, human remains were discovered in the river close to Sticklepath, coinciding with the arrest of a man on suspicion of murder. The authorities were alerted to the scene on Wednesday, June 24, where the remains were retrieved from the water.
While formal identification is pending, Taylor’s family has been notified of the situation. Devon and Cornwall Police have urged the community to refrain from speculation and await official updates from the authorities. Emergency services will maintain a presence around the river as further investigations are conducted.
A 20-year-old man was apprehended on June 12 on suspicion of murder in connection with the case and was subsequently released on police bail.