The mother of a missing 14-year-old boy collapsed and had to be rescued while searching the River Taw in Barnstaple for her son, who has not been seen for 12 days.
Zoe Harvey suffered cuts to her face, hands and arms as she battled through reeds in an attempt to find Taylor Charlton. The teenager was last seen in the car park of Tesco Extra in Barnstaple, North Devon, on 8 May.
Devon and Cornwall Police believe Taylor may have entered the water, based on CCTV showing him walking towards the River Taw. Specialist search teams, drones and a police helicopter have been deployed, alongside community volunteers who have joined the effort.
A friend posted a picture of Ms Harvey lying unconscious and covered in mud on Facebook, writing: 'This is a mother's love trying to find her baby boy. She needs him home.' Ms Harvey declined to comment but gave permission for the image to be used.
Shoes believed to belong to Taylor were found on the riverbank, 480 metres apart. Police have reviewed extensive CCTV and conducted house-to-house enquiries. Inspector Andy Wills urged the public to continue providing information while staying safe.
Taylor is described as 5ft 8ins, of muscular build, with dark brown hair and a moustache. He was last seen wearing a bright blue fitted top, jeans and bright blue Nike shoes. Anyone with information is asked to call 999, quoting reference 50260117084.
