A woman has been arrested on suspicion of murder after the body believed to be of a missing teenager was found.
The woman, who is in her 40s, has been detained in connection with the missing person investigation into Taylor Charlton in north Devon.
The 15-year-old was last seen on the night of May 8 and there has been an extensive operation to find him.
Last week, police recovered a body from the River Taw near Sticklepath, Barnstaple, which is believed to be that of the teenager.
“We have received new information and as a result have taken swift action to fully understand this,” a Devon and Cornwall Police spokesman said.
“That has included the arrest today of a woman, aged in her 40s, who will be interviewed as part of our 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.
“Taylor’s family have been informed of this development and continue to be supported by specially-trained officers.”
The arrest is the second made by police investigating Taylor’s disappearance.
Last month, a 20-year-old man was detained on suspicion of murder and later released on bail.
Taylor, from Barnstaple, was 14 at the time he went missing but has since had a birthday.
The last confirmed sighting of Taylor was on CCTV near a footpath close to the Tarka leisure centre in Barnstaple.
He is seen heading in the direction of the River Taw.
In a public appeal, his mother Zoe said she was “absolutely desperate” for him to come home.
“I love you so much and I am worried sick about you,” she added.
His father Alex said: “Taylor is a loving, loyal and special lad and we can’t wait to have him home again.”
