Human remains identified as missing teenager

Human remains found in a river have been identified as those of a missing teenager, police have confirmed.

Taylor Charlton, 15, was last seen in Barnstaple, Devon, on the night of 8 May with a major search launched after he was reported missing.

Devon and Cornwall Police said it was "extremely saddened" to confirm remains discovered in the River Taw during the search on 24 June were those of Taylor, who was 14 when he went missing.

A woman in her 40s and a 20-year-old man who were both arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with Taylor's disappearance remain on bail while police investigations continue.

The force said Taylor's family had been informed of the identification and continued to be supported by specialist officers.

In a statement, police said: "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."

Police said the support shown by the local community since Taylor was reported missing had been "tremendous".

The force added: "We respectfully ask that the family's privacy is respected as they come to terms with this tragic news."

Officers also urged people not to speculate about the case or share unconfirmed information online while enquiries continued.

Anyone with information that could help the investigation has been asked to contact police.

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