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Europe July 2, 2026

Mother of 15-Year-Old Boy Found Dead in River Denies Involvement in His Murder Amid Arrest of Woman in Her 40s

Mother of 15-Year-Old Boy Found Dead in River Denies Involvement in His Murder Amid Arrest of Woman in Her 40s

A 15-year-old boy from Barnstaple remains missing after last being seen on the night of May 8. The case has garnered significant attention, with a recent development in the investigation.

A woman in her 40s has been arrested in connection with the disappearance, with police confirming that the arrest was made on suspicion of murder. The arrest took place in the North Devon area on Thursday, July 2, following new information that was received by the authorities.

The police have stated that while the suspect has been arrested on suspicion of murder, this is a new line of enquiry and it is at an extremely early stage. The investigation is ongoing, with officers working tirelessly to ensure that all avenues are fully investigated.

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.

The family of the missing boy has been informed of the development and continues to be supported by specially-trained officers. The police are urging the public to avoid speculation and not to share any unconfirmed information online, as they work to gather more information and piece together the events surrounding the disappearance.

A 20-year-old man was also arrested in connection with the case but has since been bailed. The investigation is ongoing, and the police will provide further updates when they are able to.

The mother of the missing boy, Taylor Charlton, has taken to social media to deny any involvement in his disappearance and murder. She posted a statement on Facebook, expressing her grief and disappointment at the speculation surrounding her son's case.

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.

Taylor's family and friends are grieving the loss of a loved one, and the police are asking for respect and decency during this difficult time. The police are working to ensure that justice is served and that the truth behind Taylor's disappearance is revealed.

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