Man and woman are no longer suspects over missing teenager's death whose body was pulled from a river, say police

By OLIVIA ALLHUSEN, FOREIGN NEWS REPORTER Published: 22:20, 14 August 2026 | Updated: 22:20, 14 August 2026 Two people who were arrested on suspicion of murder after a teenager went missing are no longer suspects, police have said. Taylor Charlton, 15, was last seen in Barnstaple, Devon, on the night of May 8, Devon and Cornwall Police said. There was an extensive operation to find him before his remains were found in the River Taw near Sticklepath on June 24. A man in his 20s and a woman in her 40s were arrested on suspicion of murder following the teenager's disappearance, and released on police bail. They were questioned by detectives as part of two separate lines of inquiry, and have since been informed they are no longer being treated as suspects, the force said. Senior investigating officer Detective Inspector Elaine Westerman said: 'These arrests were made as part of our commitment to fully investigating all avenues of inquiry and leaving no stone unturned in finding answers for Taylor's family. 'Following a full and thorough investigation, we are satisfied that neither of these individuals have had any involvement in Taylor's disappearance or death. 'There is currently no indication of any third-party involvement in Taylor's death, which is not being treated as suspicious. Taylor Charlton (pictured) was last seen in Barnstaple, Devon, on the night of May 8, Devon and Cornwall Police said 'A file will now be prepared for HM Coroner. 'Taylor's family have been updated on these developments and continue to be supported by specially-trained officers. 'Our thoughts and sympathies remain with them along with Taylor's friends and the local community. 'We are asking members of the public to help us by avoiding speculation and by not sharing any unconfirmed information online.' Taylor, from Barnstaple, was 14 at the time he went missing but has since had a birthday. The last confirmed sighting of him was on CCTV near a footpath close to the Tarka leisure centre in Barnstaple. He can be seen heading in the direction of the River Taw.