Man arrested on suspicion of murdering lacking teen as ‘new info’ emerges
A 20-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murdering Taylor Charlton, a 15-year-old from Barnstaple who has been missing since May 8 – his whereabouts are still unknown
Undated handout photo issued by Devon and Cornwall Police of 15-year-old Taylor Charlton from Barnstaple, who was last seen on the night of May 8. A 20-year-old man has been detained in the north Devon area on suspicion of murdering Taylor. Issue date: Friday June 12, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Devon and Cornwall Police/PA Wire
NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.
A 20-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murdering a teenager who’s been missing for over a month. Devon and Cornwall Police have said the man was narrested in the north Devon area in relation to the disappearance of 15-year-old Taylor Charlton.
Taylor, from Barnstaple, was last spotted on the night of 8 May and since then there’s been a massive police operation to locate him. Detective Inspector Charlotte Heath, who’s heading up the investigation, stated: “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.”
Police have said the detained man remains in police custody and inquiries were taking place at several locations as part of the investigation.
The last confirmed sighting of Taylor is on CCTV near a footpath close to Tarka leisure centre in Barnstaple, where he is seen heading towards the River Taw.
He is described as about 5ft 8ins tall, has a muscular build, dark brown hair and sports a moustache.
Taylor, who celebrated his 15th birthday since going missing, was last spotted wearing a bright blue fitted top, jeans and vibrant blue Nike trainers.
In an earlier public plea, Taylor’s mum, 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 dad 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.”
