Body found in river confirmed as missing schoolboy Taylor Charlton, 15

| Live News reporter Published July 31, 2026 7:08pm Updated July 31, 2026 7:19pm Taylor Charlton went missing on May 8 (Picture: Devon and Cornwall Police/PA Wire) Police have said they are ‘extremely saddened’ to confirm that missing teenager Taylor Charlton’s body has been found. The Devon schoolboy was last seen on the night of May 8, with CCTV placing him near the Tarka Leisure Centre and the Seven Brethren car park at 10.41pm. An extensive search had been conducted to find him, with remains recovered from the River Taw on June 24. Charlton was walking in the direction of the river in his final sighting. In a new statement, a Devon and Cornwall Police spokesperson said tonight: ‘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, and detectives will continue to establish the full facts.’ Sign up for all of the latest stories Start your day informed with Metro's News Updates newsletter or get Breaking News alerts the moment it happens. Charlton, from Barnstaple, was 14 at the time he disappeared but has since had a birthday. Police were called to the River Taw near Sticklepath, Barnstaple, at 4.20pm on June 24 after human remains were seen in the water. Initially, there was no evidence to suggest third-party involvement. A woman in her 40s and a 20-year-old man were later arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with Charlton’s disappearance. Both remain on police bail while the investigation continues. The force has urged the public to help the investigation by avoiding speculation and by not sharing unconfirmed information online. It also asked for the privacy of the boy’s family to be respected as they ‘come to terms with this tragic news’. His loved ones had been informed of Charlton’s identification and are being supported by specialist officers. Anyone with information that may prove useful should contact the police. Got a story? Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk. Or you can submit your videos and pictures here. For more stories like this, check our news page. Follow Metro.co.uk on Twitter and Facebook for the latest news updates. You can now also get Metro.co.uk articles sent straight to your device. Sign up for our daily push alerts here. Arrow MORE: What I Own: We ditched London for a £340,000 home in the perfect location Arrow MORE: Million-pound cliffside cottage won’t sell as buyers fear it will crumble into sea Arrow MORE: Ann Widdecombe suspect ‘drove home and ate pizza’ hours after MP’s death News Updates Stay on top of the headlines with daily email updates.