Taylor Charlton: Woman arrested on suspicion of murder after body found in search for missing teenager

A woman has been arrested on suspicion of murder after the body of a missing teenager was found.

The woman, aged in her 40s, was detained in connection with the missing person investigation into Taylor Charlton in North Devon.

The 15-year-old was last seen on the night of May 8 and a comprehensive operation was launched to find him.

Last week police found a body believed to be that of the teenager in the River Taw near Barnstaple Sticklepath.

A spokesman for Devon and Cornwall Police said: “We received new information and as a result we took action quickly to fully understand this.”

“This includes the arrest today of a woman in her 40s who will be interviewed as part of our investigations.

“Although the suspect has been arrested on suspicion of murder, we would like to emphasize that this is a new investigation and is still at a very early stage.

“Taylor’s family has been informed of this development and continues to be supported by specially trained officers.”

The arrest was the second made by police investigating Taylor’s disappearance.

Last month a 20-year-old man was detained on suspicion of murder and later released on bail.

Taylor, from Barnstaple, was 14 when she went missing but it’s been her birthday since then.

The last confirmed image of Taylor was seen on CCTV near a footpath near the Tarka leisure center in Barnstaple.

It appears to be heading towards the Taw River.

In a public appeal, his mother Zoe said she was “absolutely desperate” for him to return home.

“I love you so much and I’m so worried about you,” he added.

His father Alex said: “Taylor is a loving, loyal and special child and we can’t wait to have her home again.”