Taylor Charlton was last seen on May 8 in Barnstaple, and widespread searches have been ongoing in the area to find the missing boy. The 14-year-old is now believed to have entered the River Taw, police said.

Searches have focused on the River Taw after a pair of shoes believed to belong to Taylor were found on the riverbank between Sticklepath and Bickington on May 13 and 14, Devon Live reports. Locals have helped in the hunt, with search teams scouring the area while experts have used drones, search dogs, and a police helicopter.

A sonar-equipped boat and divers were deployed to search the waterway today, Devon and Cornwall Police said. The strong tidal currents in the Taw estuary have meant HM Coastguard joined the search.

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Taylor Charlton, 14, was last seen on May 8 in Barnstaple(Image: Devon and Cornwall Police)

Despite the best efforts of investigators and search teams, Taylor has still, sadly, not been found. It is now believed Taylor may have entered the water.

Sector Inspector Andy Wills said: “We fully understand how difficult and upsetting this continues to be for Taylor’s family, friends, and the wider community. Our thoughts remain firmly with them. Taylor’s family continue to be updated and supported by specially-trained officers.

“The River Taw and its estuary present an extremely challenging environment to search, particularly given tidal conditions. Over the past week, a rigorous and methodical search of the area has been conducted with support from specialist resources and equipment and partner agencies. I want to reassure the public that our investigation remains very much active.”

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Taylor Charlton has now been missing for 13 days(Image: Submitted)

Speaking at a press conference, Insp Wills said the shoes thought to be worn by Taylor on the day of his disappearance were found 480m apart on the river bank. It is unknown how the shoes came off Taylor’s feet.

“It does form part of our enquiries,” he said. “But we are unable to conclude at the moment how the shoes have entered the water. We maintain an open and investigative mindset around that.”

Taylor’s last confirmed sighting was on CCTV in the Tesco Extra car park in Station Road at around 10.30pm on May 8. Footage showed him walking towards the river. He was reported missing the following day at around 5.15pm.

Insp Wills continued: “Detectives continue to carry out extensive enquiries, review information, and carefully assess any new intelligence that comes to light.

“Our commitment to doing everything we can to provide clarity and to find answers for Taylor’s loved-ones will not stop. Further searches can and will take place if further information comes to light as part of continuing enquiries.

“We are very grateful for the support shown by the local community throughout this difficult time. It has been significant and deeply appreciated. We would continue to urge anyone with information, no matter how small it may seem to them, to come forward and speak to us.”