The body recovered from a river in Devon has been confirmed to be the body of a missing teenage schoolboy.
Taylor Charlton was 14 when he vanishedΒ on 8 May at around 10.30pm.Β He was last seen in a car park on Station Road in Barnstaple, north Devon.
His disappearance prompted a major search party, which ran until the body was pulled from the River Taw six weeks later.
The discovery came after shoes believed to belong to Taylor were discovered on consecutive days along the riverbank between Sticklepath and Bickington.
A series of public appeals were made, including a community search organised to coincide with what would have been the schoolboy’s 15th birthday.
In a heartfeltΒ FacebookΒ post at the time, loved ones wrote: ‘Today is Taylor’s 15th birthday – he isn’t spending it at home with his family.
‘He isn’t waking up to presents, he isn’t waking up to the utmost love and kindness.’
Devon and Cornwall Police have since confirmed that remains spotted and recovered from the River Taw on 24 June have been formally identified as Taylor.
Taylor Charlton was 14 when he vanished on 8 May at around 10.30pm. He was last seen in a car park on Station Road in Barnstaple, north Devon
Pictured is a missing poster for Devon teenager Taylor Charlton
This came after police arrested a woman in her 40s in July on suspicion of murder.
She was the second person to be arrested after a 20-year-old man was detained on suspicion of murder.
The pair remain on police bail while enquiries continue.
A spokesperson said this week: ‘We are extremely saddened to confirm that human remains found in the River Taw on 24 June have today been confirmed as being those of teenager Taylor Charlton from Barnstaple.
‘Taylor’s family have been updated of this development and our thoughts and condolences are with them, Taylor’s friends and the local community.
‘Taylor’s loved ones continue to be supported by specialist officers at this incredibly difficult and distressing time.
‘WeΒ respectfully ask that the family’s privacy is respected as they come to terms with this tragic news.’
Police said a large-scale search operation and substantial investigation was launched after Taylor was reported missing.
The force added: ‘This is not the outcome that anyone hoped for and we know how deeply this will affect the local community who have shown tremendous support throughout the search.’
An investigation into the circumstances surrounding Taylor’s death remains ongoing.
Taylor was 14 when he went missing but would have turned 15 in the time since he was last seen.
In a public appeal, his motherΒ Zoe previously said she was ‘absolutely desperate’ for him to come home.
‘I love you so much and I am worried sick about you,’ she added.
His father Alex said: ‘Taylor is a loving, loyal and special lad and we can’t wait to have him home again.’
Police have again urged the public not to speculate or share unconfirmed information online while detectives continue their investigation.
