NORTH Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team helped in the search for a missing North Tawton man on Wednesday, September 16.

John Davey (65), was last seen in Gowmans Terrace, North Tawton at around 6.20am on Wednesday, September 16.

John is described as a white male, 5’6, slim build, long white hair (usually in a ponytail), long white beard with a plait at the bottom.

John Davey.
John Davey. (Devon and Cornwall Police)

He has still not been found.

It transpired later that evening that John may have travelled by train to Redruth and may be in the Portreath area. He is believed to be wearing cargo trousers, a long-sleeve top, large coat and carrying a rucksack.

The Search and Rescue Team said about their search: “The team was called out by Devon & Cornwall Police at 5pm to search for a vulnerable missing person in and around North Tawton.

“Two Land Rovers and the team's incident control vehicle were deployed to North Tawton Rugby Club with 12 team members, including a water rescue team and equipment on standby.

Members of North Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team during the search for missing North Tawton man John Davey.
Members of North Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team during the search for missing North Tawton man John Davey. (North Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team)

“Detailed searches were carried out around the River Taw as night fell and in farmland and dense woodland to the North of the village.

“After clearing the initial search areas and as the teams were being retasked, information came in from the police which indicated that the missing person was unlikely to be in the local area, so the team's involvement in the search was ended at around 9pm.

“Thanks to North Tawton RFC for letting us use their car park and clubhouse.”

Jane Webber said on Facebook: “John is quite quiet spoken and very polite. A gentle man.

“He has a love of nature and wildlife, often spending time in the countryside, chilling out and enjoying the wildlife around him.

“He is much thought about in the North Tawton area and surrounds.

“If anyone can help, even if you’re not sure if it will make a difference, any nugget of information - please do get in touch with the police.”

If you have seen John or know of his whereabouts please call the police on 999/101 quoting log number 383 of 16/09/26.

The Search and Rescue Team added: “We have seen a significant increase in our callouts this year, compared to 26 in the whole of 2025, but our team members are now back home, recharging their torches and radios ready for the next person who needs us.”