A distraught mother has made a heartfelt appeal for her missing 15-year-old son to return home, following the arrest of a 20-year-old man on suspicion of murder. Taylor Charlton, from Barnstaple, was last seen on the evening of May 8, prompting a large-scale search by Devon and Cornwall Police.
The suspect was taken into custody at an address in North Devon on Friday after detectives received new information. He remains in police custody for questioning.
Taylor, who turned 15 after his disappearance, was last captured on CCTV near a footpath close to the Tarka leisure centre in Barnstaple, heading toward the River Taw.
In a previous appeal, his mother 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."
His father 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."
Taylor was last seen wearing a bright blue fitted top, jeans, and bright blue Nike shoes. He is described as approximately 5ft 8ins tall, of muscular build, with dark brown hair and a moustache.
Detective Inspector Charlotte Heath, leading the investigation, said: "Devon and Cornwall Police, supported by specialists from neighbouring 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."
"This remains one line of inquiry, 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 added: "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."
