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Police Ban Drones in River Taw Search for Missing Barnstaple Teen

Police warn volunteer drones threaten crew safety during river-focused searches prompted by shoes found on the Tarka Trail.

Overview

  • Multi-agency teams, including police, fire service, RNLI and coastguard, are searching the River Taw after shoes believed to be Taylor's were found on the Tarka Trail between Sticklepath and Bickington.
  • Taylor, 14, was last seen on 8 May near the Tesco in Barnstaple's Seven Brethren area, and police are working on a hypothesis he may have entered the water.
  • Officers told the public to stop flying drones near the operation because they risk collisions with the police helicopter and can hinder the investigation.
  • Large numbers of residents are helping on foot and on social media, and police urged people to avoid dangerous riverbanks and to stop sharing unconfirmed posts.
  • Anyone with information or sightings should call 999 quoting reference 50260117084 for Taylor, who was wearing a bright blue top, jeans and bright blue Nike shoes.