A WOMAN in her 40s was arrested on suspicion of murder on Thursday, July 2 in connection with the disappearance of 15-year-old Taylor Charlton in Barnstaple.

Police said they were “acting on new information” and the arrest took place in North Devon.

She has since been released on bail pending further enquiries.

“While the suspect has been arrested on suspicion of murder, we would like to stress that this is a new line of enquiry and it is at an extremely early stage,” said a Devon and Cornwall Police spokesperson after the arrest.

“Taylor’s family have been informed of this development and continue to be supported by specially-trained officers.

“The arrest made today remains one line of enquiry among many and officers are working tirelessly to ensure this, and all, avenues are fully investigated.”

Taylor, who was 14 years old when he went missing, was last seen at 10.41pm on Friday, May 8 on CCTV near a footpath close to Tarka Leisure Centre and the Seven Brethren car park, Barnstaple, heading in the direction of the River Taw.

Two shoes believed to belong to him were found on the high tide line of the riverbank between Sticklepath and Bickington, around 480 metres apart, on consecutive days on Wednesday, May 13 and Thursday, May 14.

A 20-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder at an address in North Devon on Friday, June 12. He has been released on police bail until September pending further enquiries.

A body was found in the search for the missing teenager on Wednesday, June 24 in the River Taw near Sticklepath. Formal identification is yet to take place.

Police have asked the public to dial 999 with urgent information about the case or 101 in “less pressing circumstances”, quoting reference number 50260117084.