Rallying call for Taylor Charlton search at Instow

A police helicopter has been seen flying over the River Taw this lunchtime

Missing Taylor, 14(Image: Submitted)

A community search has been organised this afternoon in North Devon in a bid to find Taylor Charlton who has now been missing for 15 days.

The organised search for the 14-year-old is set to be held in Instow from 3.30pm this afternoon (Saturday, May 23).

Taylor was last seen on Friday, May 8, in Barnstaple, with widespread searches in the area since.

Today’s search meeting point is Johns of Instow, a café on Marine Parade, close to the River Torridge.

Organisers say drones can be flown during the search.

They said: “Community Search. May 23, 2026. Meeting point: Johns of Instow. Time, 3.30pm. Drones are able to be flown. It is super hot so please bring plenty of water. If you have any posters please bring them along.”

Devon and Cornwall Police previously issued a safety statement, reminding the public to avoid putting themselves at risk during their searches, including entering unsafe buildings or the water.

Sector Inspector Andy Willis said: ““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.”

Sector Inspector Andy Wills speaking previously as searches continue for missing 14-year-old Taylor Charlton in Barnstaple(Image: Devon and Cornwall Police)

Police searches have been focussed on the River Taw after a pair of shoes believed to belong to Taylor were found separately on the riverbank between Sticklepath and Bickington on May 13 and 14.

Devon and Cornwall Police said a sonar-equipped boat and divers searched the waterway on Thursday, May 21.

HM Coastguard have also been involved in searches.

Today, the National Police Air Service was spotted flying low over Barnstaple and the River Taw at lunchtime.

Taylor is described as 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.

Sharing a statement on Thursday, May 21, Sector Inspector Wills said it is now believed that Taylor may have entered the water.

He 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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Missing Taylor Charlton, age 14, last seen at Barnstaple Tesco Extra(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 Friday, 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.”

Anyone who may have information is asked to contact police by calling 999, quoting reference number 50260117084.

CRE: https://www.devonlive.com/news/devon-news/rallying-call-taylor-charlton-search-10981282