Shoes found in search for missing teenage boy
Devon and Cornwall PoliceA pair of shoes believed to belong to a 14-year-old boy who has been missing for seven days has been found as part of a "major search operation".
The force said searches resulted in a pair of shoes being found near to the River Taw in the Tarka Trail area between Sticklepath and Bickington.
It said while detectives were keeping all avenues of inquiry open, a hypothesis that Taylor may have entered the water has led to searches being concentrated on this area.
He is a described as about 5ft 8ins tall, of muscular build, with dark brown hair and a moustache, and was last seen wearing a bright blue fitted top, jeans and bright blue Nike shoes.
Police said his family was aware of the development.
Insp Andy Wills said: "We are asking the public to help us with this by avoiding the search area.
"In particular, any activity on the water could significantly disrupt the search operation and put you and members of the emergency services at risk."
He added: "We would also like to remind members of the public that drone flights are prohibited in the area while searches are ongoing."
"All of the search activity is being directed by accredited police search advisers, who are defining search areas in consultation with colleagues including HM Coastguard.
"The public should expect to see focussed search activity around the River Taw," he said.
Wills said he recognised how much the community wanted to help find Taylor but asked those out looking to avoid putting themselves at risk, including avoiding entering unsafe buildings and going near the water.
He asked anyone who became aware of an area that might be relevant to get in tough and asked people to avoid sharing speculation on social media.
Anyone with information including dash-cam, doorbell or CCTV footage is asked to contact the police.
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