One of Hollywood’s biggest stars ‘spotted in Friends’ – but what’s the truth?

No, you’re not imagining things; that guy in Friends does look exactly like Matt Damon (Picture: NBC/ Shutterstock)

Most diehard Friends fans have watched the iconic show upwards of 100 times, meaning they know these episodes better than the back of their hand.

One keen-eyed viewer has spotted that a man who looks suspiciously like a young Matt Damon appears in the background of an episode of Friends.

So naturally, whether the now-Hollywood star was once an extra on the comedy show has been ‘driving them crazy’ for years.

Well, no longer do they need to stay awake in the small hours of the night agonising over whether that is indeed the Martian star, as, after a totally normal amount of sleuthing and cross-referencing, I’ve got to the bottom of the case.

For those who have no clue what scene we’re talking about, let me fill you in.

In season two, episode five, The One with Five Steaks and an Eggplant, our plucky group of six have been divided by their incomes, with Joey, Phoebe and Rachel simply unable to keep up with their richer friends, Ross,Monica and Chandler.

The extra appears in season two, episode five of the show (Picture: NBC)

There’s no denying this mystery man looks alarmingly like Matt Damon (Picture: Miramax/Kobal/Shutterstock)

By the end of the episode – which aired at the tail end of 1995, they’re back at the trusty Central Perk and at each other’s throats while the other patrons in the cafe attempt to enjoy their coffees and read their newspapers in peace.

Sitting behind Chandler are a woman and a man in a blue shirt intensely chatting over the news of the day, and the man in the duo, from a side-on angle, is essentially a copy and paste of Matt from the mid-90s.

Think his shaggy blonde hair falling on either side of his face- full-on Good Will Hunting era, when his career was just taking off.

However, dear reader, I’m sorry to disappoint; this is not the A-lister Matt currently starring in the biggest blockbuster, Odyssey.

I’m afraid this is not pre-Good Will Hunting fame Matt (Picture: Steve Cho Kyewoong/Shutterstock)

Not only does the credit not appear on his IMDb, but when you see him from another angle, it’s clear this is just a doppelganger.

Of course, there are plenty of stars, small and big, who have appeared in Friends, especially early in their careers.

Notably, a young Cole Sprouse played Ross’ son for several seasons of the show. Elsewhere, Grey’s Anatomy icon Ellen Pompeo appeared as a college crush in a flashback in season 10.

Also in season 10, The Office star Craig Robinson has a cameo appearance as a clerk who processed Phoebe’s bonkers name change.

As for Matt, he may not have appeared on Friends, but he had early credits just like most others trying to break into show business, including two unnamed ones in The Good Mother and Field of Dreams.

His first-ever credit dates back to 1988, when he played Steamer in Mystic Pizza.

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Apocalyptic scenes after swarm of locusts fill up sky

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People took cover in their cars as a huge swarm of locusts darkened the sky in Russia.

The arrival of millions of locusts turned a peaceful Sunday into an apocalyptic scene in the southwestern corner of the country.

The grasshoppers swept across a field in the Kizlyar district of Dagestan on Sunday, with the sky almost blocked out as they flew over.

Locals were left fearing they might be heading towards nearby towns in the North Caucasus region.

People in Dagestan witnessed a biblical scene as millions of locusts filled up the sky (Picture: Jam Press)

One local filming the swarm says: ‘Where are they heading? What on earth is this? Thank goodness they’re not heading towards the town!

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‘They are going to eat us alive!’

Despite being a frightening sight, the locusts are not directly harmful to humans, although they can inflict devastation on vital crops, making them one of the world’s most harmful agricultural pests.

Dagestan’s ministry of agriculture and food said today that it has taken active pest control measures.

Locusts can munch tens of thousands of hectares of vegetation as they travel in the Caucasus and Central Asia (Picture: Jam Press)

Several large swarms had already been dealt with, it said.

It said: ‘The situation is complicated by the fact that migratory locust swarms travel from nature conservation areas and reserves, where chemical treatment is strictly prohibited by law.

‘However, as soon as the pests move into areas where treatment is permitted, all available equipment is deployed.’

Locusts and grasshoppers pose a serious threat to food security and livelihoods in the Caucasus and Central Asia as they can destroy crops that end up on their way.

The animals can travel up to 93 miles per day.

The biblical locust swarms have led to the use of drones in the fight against the pests.

Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan recently cooperated on the use of unmanned aerial systems for locust management, the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation said.

Up to 20 million people and 25 million hectares of cultivated land are at risk from locusts in the region, the UN said.

Three species plague the Caucasus, Russian Federation and Central Asia – Italian (Calliptamus italicus), Moroccan (Dociostaurus maroccanus) and Asian Migratory (Locusta migratoria) Locusts.

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Lifeguard punched ’12 foot shark’ before packed Jersey beach closed

St Ouen’s Bay beach in Jersey was closed to summer holiday crowds due to a rare shark sighting (Picture: J Kruse/imageBROKER/Shutterstock)

A lifeguard on a popular Jersey beach had a close encounter with a suspected shark as the water was cleared of swimmers.

St Ouen’s Bay was closed on the northwestern tip of Jersey on Saturday morning after reports of a possible shark sighting.

While the species remains unconfirmed, one lifeguard is said to have gotten a closer look at the animal, believed to be up to 12 ft long.

RNLI lifeguard Tom Rolls said his colleague Nick paddled over the animal on a rescue board at about 10.40am shortly before the beach was shut.

Tom told the Bailiwick Express: ‘He even said he kind of punched it as he was paddling, so it must have been really close to the surface.

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‘It was darkish grey, about 10 to 12 feet long, and then it swam away really quickly from under his board.’

He said lifeguards could not believe what they heard at first until receiving calls from a nearby beach where a ‘shark had been spotted in the lineup’ and reports from beachgoers.

As the species could not be identified, lifeguards decided to red flag the beach, effectively closing it to the members of the public.

A basking shark, the second-largest living shark and fish which eats plankton and is harmless to humans, also inhabits the North Atlantic waters around the British Isles. It can grow up to 33ft (Picture: Getty Images)

RNLI confirmed that one of its lifeguards spotted a suspected shark off the coast, leading to the decision to close the beach as a precaution while checks were made in the water.

Richard Peirce, a wildlife campaigner who has published books on sharks in British waters, said he doubts the sighting involved a species like a Great White.

He told Metro: ‘I haven’t seen a good picture of a dorsal fin that might have enabled me to have a stab at the species.

‘It has to be a good picture because if you get a good enough side on a dorsal fin, it’s a bit like a human fingerprint.

‘I’m not going to guess as to what the species might have been, except that if it was a large dorsal fin and it was close, a basking shark is what comes to mind.

‘Some people say the lifeguard who closed the beach acted hastily, but I don’t agree with that.

A basking shark was spotted cruising off the coast of Scotland in Ayrshire on July 30, 2024 (Picture: Carla Smith / SWNS)

‘I don’t know how crowded the beach was, but if there was a fin in the water and if that fin was going to cause people to worry, possibly even to panic, then it is going to be sensible to close the beach until the fin buzzed off.

‘You don’t want maybe a child going under in haste to get ouf of the water. It’s that typical scene from Jaws that comes to mind all those years ago, the rush to get out of the water.’

Around 30 species of sharks roam in the waters surrounding the British Isles, including the blue shark, mako, thresher and poor beagle dubbed a miniature Great White, and the basking shark, the second-largest living shark, Richard said.

Sharks killed an estimated 10 people last year, while around 100 million sharks died in the hands of humans and due to overfishing, he said.

He continued: ‘Sharks are under far more threat from humans than humans are ever likely to be from sharks.

‘We are pushing some species, Great Whites amongst them, towards extinction. There is no danger of human extinction at the hands of sharks.’

Shark scientist Tom ‘The Blowfish Hird’ said that Great Whites are constantly on the move following food sources, and it would be easy for one to swim around the UK ‘in a matter of days.’

He said that just because the species hasn’t been spotted for sure in British waters ‘doesn’t mean they’re not here already.’

An RNLI spokesperson told Metro: ‘RNLI lifeguards at St Ouens Bay responded to a suspected shark sighting off the coast on the morning of Saturday 1st August, by one of our Lifeguards in the water.

‘A decision was made to red flag the beach and get all members of the public out of the water as a precaution.

‘The team then used a jet ski to survey the area, before concluding that there was no further sign.

‘The beach was red flagged for 45 minutes. There have been no sightings since. ‘

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Man Utd dealt hammer blow in pursuit of ‘untouchable’ transfer target

Michael Carrick’s Manchester United are on the hunt for a left-back this summer (Picture: Getty)

Newcastle have reportedly ruled out a transfer move for Lewis Hall amid strong interest from Manchester United this summer.

Hall, 21, left Chelsea to join Newcastle in search of regular playing time – following an initial loan move – in 2024 and has since gone on to establish himself as one of the most sought-after left-backs in the English game.

Also comfortable operating in midfield, Hall’s versatility has proven invaluable over the course of his three seasons in the north east and he played a key role in the Magpies’ historic Carabao Cup triumph last year.

Hall continued his outstanding run of form into last season and there was some surprise as he missed out on a place in Thomas Tuchel’s 26-man squad for England’s World Cup campaign.

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But while Tuchel opted to overlook Hall, it’s understood the full-back has remained firmly in the thoughts of the Premier League’s elite – and Manchester United are known to have been tracking his progress for some time.

Chelsea have also been tentatively linked with the player they sold only two years ago as they scour the transfer market for Marc Cucurella ‘s long-term successor at left-back.

Recent reports indicated that Hall would be ‘keen’ on the idea of swapping St James’ Park for Old Trafford to play under Michael Carrick. The recent departure of Eddie Howe – who shares an agent with the defender – only fuelled these rumours.

Hall is deemed ‘untouchable’ by Newcastle’s hierarchy (Picture: Getty)

The England international has three years remaining on his current deal at St James’ Park (Picture: Getty)

However, according to The i Paper, Newcastle’s hierarchy are ‘adamant’ that Hall is not for sale and there will be ‘no flexibility’ on their stance, despite the fact both Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali have been allowed to leave in the window.

Given the player’s age and contract situation, it’s claimed the Magpies view Hall as an ‘untouchable’ squad member and one who is likely to be an integral figure under incoming head coach Matthias Jaissle.

The Red Devils may therefore be forced to switch their attentions to potential alternatives at left-back, namely Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly and Racing Santander’s Jorge Salinas.

Racing Santander youngster Salinas has been identified as United’s ‘plan B’ (Picture: Getty)

Hall’s current contract with the Toon is not due to expire until June 2029.

Reports emanating out of Spain this week indicate that United have identified Salinas, 19, as their ‘plan B’ should their pursuit of Hall be doomed to failure.

United bosses are said to be ‘very serious’ about Salinas having watched over the teenager’s impressive performances at this year’s Under-19 European Championship.

He has a €16m (£13.7m) release clause at Racing Santander and is also being closely monitored by La Liga champions Barcelona.

Despite his tender years, United are confident Salinas would be able to join up with Carrick’s senior squad immediately to help ease the workload on Luke Shaw.

The Red Devils successfully reinforced their options in central midfield with the addition of Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans from Chelsea and Aston Villa respectively last month.

Free agent Karl Darlow remains the only other new face at the Theatre of Dreams with less than a month to go until the transfer deadline.

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Kayaker, 19, who vanished in North Sea after vessel capsized found dead

The body of a missing teen kayaker Michael Henry, has been found weeks after he died at sea (Picture: Northumbria Police)

The body of a teenage kayaker who went missing after capsizing in the North Sea has been found weeks after he vanished.

Michael Henry, 19, was paddling in the sea near Boulmer, Northumberland on July 7.

He capsized and vanished underwater but his friend managed to survive by clinging to a buoy.

Northumbria Police has now said the body of Henry, from the Rothbury area, was located off the coast of Blyth more than two weeks later on 26 July.

Formal identification has since taken place and a report had been prepared for the coroner.

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The search for the teenager was previously called off on 15 July.

In a tribute at the time, his family said he was a ‘keen sportsman who loved the outdoors’ and was hoping to start university in the next academic year.

‘We would like to thank everyone for all their love, kindness and support now and throughout Michael’s life; it was that love and kindness that made him the marvellous person he was,’ his family said.

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Chelsea set price for Man City to sign Pedro Neto

Manchester City are pursuing a bid to sign Chelsea winger Pedro Neto (Picture: Getty)

Chelsea have reportedly slapped a £70million price tag on Pedro Neto amid strong interest from Manchester City this summer.

Neto has emerged as one of City’s primary attacking targets after racking up five goals and six assists across Chelsea’s immensely difficult Premier League campaign last season.

The 26-year-old joined the Blues in a deal worth around £51m back in 2024 and has helped the west London outfit win both the Europa Conference League and the Club World Cup in that time.

This weekend, he was pictured boarding a flight to Hong Kong to join up with Xabi Alonso’s squad for the side’s pre-season clash with Juventus on Wednesday.

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According to The Sun, though, Neto’s days at Chelsea could be numbered and City are preparing to test their rivals’ resolve with sizeable opening offer for the Portugal international.

It’s claimed City head coach Enzo Maresca has been at the centre of Chelsea’s proposed move to sign Neto having previously worked with the winger during his 18-month spell in charge at Stamford Bridge.

The report adds that City may be forced to fend off competition from Serie A giants AC Milan for Neto, but a deal could be struck with an offer in the region of £70m before the transfer deadline.

Maresca hopes to work with Neto again at City (Picture: Getty)

Neto could follow Garnacho out the exit door at Stamford Bridge (Picture: Getty)

Milan have placed Neto at the top of their shortlist of wingers as they brace themselves for the possible departure of Rafael Leao ahead of the new season.

Chelsea view Neto as a key member of squad and dressing room but accept that a hefty bid could alter their stance when it comes to the forward’s future.

Neto’s agent Jorge Mendes has also offered Neto to Al-Hilal but the player has major reservations about moving to the Saudi Pro League and wishes to continue playing at the highest level.

Though a regular starting spot may not be immediately guaranteed at City, the former Braga and Wolves star is said to be ‘open’ to the idea of leaving Chelsea for the Etihad.

Alonso’s squad are currently in Hong Kong preparing to face Juventus (Picture: Getty)

Neto’s current contract with Chelsea is not due to expire until June 2031.

‘I’m sure that from today to the last day of the transfer window there will be a lot of links, a lot of rumours, so to be commenting on all of them, it’s going to be a hard task,’ Alonso said of Chelsea’s transfer dealings after the side’s recent pre-season clash with Western Sydney Wanderers.

‘But for sure, we need proper balance in terms of qualities, in terms of positions, in terms of balance.

‘We want to have a complete squad and we want to make a good team.’

The potential sale of Neto would help Chelsea balance the books in the wake of their record-breaking £117million transfer deal for Aston Villa and England midfielder Morgan Rogers.

The Blues have also brought in Maxence Lacroix, Marco Palestra, Danny Welbeck and Valentin Barco this summer, with veteran Brentford midfielder Jordan Henderson expected to follow suit.

Reports in Spain, meanwhile, indicate that Chelsea have struck an agreement with Rayo Vallecano for Pep Chavarria, who has been signed as a replacement Marc Cucurella at left-back.

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Michael Carrick told Man Utd have made £35m transfer mistake: ‘Outstanding player’

Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick (Picture: PA)

Manchester United have been told that their decision to walk away from a £35million transfer earlier in the window was a mistake

Michael Carrick is seeking to rebuild his squad as he prepares for his first full season in charge of the Red Devils.

United have made it a priority to bolster their midfield options after the departure of Casemiro, with Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans arriving from Chelsea and Aston Villa, respectively.

And elsewhere, Karl Darlow has arrived from Leeds United to serve as a back-up to Senne Lammens following his impressive debut season at Old Trafford.

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United are still keen to make further additions, particularly in midfield, with Manu Kone and Carlos Baleba among the names under consideration.

Earlier in the window, it had looked like the Red Devils were set to sign Atalanta midfielder Ederson after they agreed a £35m deal with the Serie A club before the World Cup.

However, United subsequently walked away from the deal after concerns arose during Ederson’s medical following his time away with Brazil.

Carrick is looking to bolster his midfield (Picture: Getty)

The 27-year-old has since signed a new contract with Atalanta, and former Premier League midfielder Don Hutchison believes it was ‘surprising’ to see United walk away from a deal for a player of Ederson’s calibre.

‘I’m surprised they didn’t go back for Ederson,’ Hutchison told ESPN.

‘I think he’s an outstanding player who can make other players around him better.

‘He’s just signed a new deal in Atalanta but he’s a very, very good player.’

And while Hutchison can understand United’s cautious approach to this summer’s window, he said United were quite clearly still lacking numbers ahead of the new season.

United had agreed a deal for Ederson but later pulled out of the transfer (Picture: Getty)

‘They’ve had a couple of really, really outstanding windows, good windows, buying very, very good players and young, promising players,’ he added.

‘I think it’s just being a little bit greedy if you want all these Champions League players to come in this summer.

‘I think the strategy has obviously changed. They’re not going to go out and spend £100 million on players. That’s why they’ve walked away from one or two deals.’

Hutchison continued: ‘I think Michael is a clever guy. He’d be naive if he thought what he’s got now is good enough to compete in the domestic competitions with the Premier League and Champions League because now this is a tougher test.

Ederson featured for Brazil at the World Cup (Picture: Getty)

‘They were outstanding with no European football last year, but bodies have to be brought in. But you have to be careful. You can’t go out and spend £25 million on a guy that’s not going to play.

‘You’ve still got players like Kobbie Mainoo who need game time, so it’s all revolving around the players that were signed in the last couple of windows, the players that are already there.’

And the former Liverpool player said the Red Devils need to already have an eye on future windows, as he namechecked Harry Maguire and Senne Lammens as two players who may need to be replaced.

‘I think the window after this one, I think that’s going to be telling,’ Hutchison said.

‘It’s then when they need to try to move on from the likes of Maguire and maybe when they’ve had a good look at Senne Lammens, they might think that in two years or 18 months, that’s an upgrade that needs fixing, a world-class goalkeeper.

‘But for now, I think with the window still open, I think they are pretty fairly set.’

United’s preparations for the new season are firmly underway, with Carrick’s side coming from behind to beat Atletico Madrid in their third pre-season friendly on Saturday.

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Treasury worker, 26, killed herself one day after anonymous complaint

Chloe Moffat took her own life a year ago (Picture: Family handout)

A 26-year-old Treasury worker took her own life one day after an anonymous complaint was made about her, an inquest has heard.

Chloe Moffat ‘loved’ her role as a personal assistant in the government department, which she held for three years, and had an ‘exemplary employment record’.

She was also in line for a promotion after receiving a bonus for her work. Moffat died before she could hear the good news.

During the inquest at the Surrey coroner’s court, witnesses heard how Moffat was driven to a state of ‘distress’ following a meeting last May about the complaint.

The meeting was attended by her line manager and the Treasury’s head of global issues, but Moffat was not informed ahead of time what it would be about.

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Senior Treasury staff did not reassure her that her job was safe during the disciplinary process, the court also heard, even though a dismissal was unlikely.

Moffat’s mother is now calling for an overhaul in Treasury practices (Picture: Shutterstock/William Barton)

When she did ask if there was a possibility of being sacked, Moffat was told by a senior manager that she ‘couldn’t predict the outcome of any potential investigation’.

She was not allowed to bring a third party to the meeting either, and when Moffat asked her manager if she could bring her friend into the proceedings for support, she was told it would be ‘inappropriate’.

Questioned by the coroner, Anna Crawford, on why Moffat was not permitted a trade union representative or other colleague, the senior manager said: ‘Any alternative attendee would have made the meeting feel more formal.’

The coroner then asked: ‘Given these allegations, that were potentially serious, were going to be raised with her, was any consideration given to notifying her so she could prepare herself, seek support and respond?’

‘No, this could cause unnecessary stress,’ replied the senior manager.

She added that Moffat denied any accusations, so she ‘started to draft a letter’ to notify her of a formal investigation.

‘I was going to wait to send it until [the line manager] and I had spoken to Chloe to see how she was.’

The complaint in question accused Moffat of sharing confidential information about colleagues, which she could access since she managed her director’s inbox.

She had been advised not to speak to her co-workers about the matter, and she temporarily lost access to her director’s emails and diary.

When informed of the anonymous filing, Moffat appeared ‘shocked’ and started ‘crying at points’.

Her family recalled how ‘devastated’ she was in the aftermath and ‘convinced’ she would lose her job.

They further described her as someone who ‘took great pride in her work’ and ‘never made a mistake’.

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A friend told the court that Moffat sent her a text on the same day the proceedings were initiated, reading: ‘I am going to be fired.’

This friend then met up with her in central London, where Moffat ‘broke down’ and expressed her concerns about the ‘reputational impact’ of the allegations made, all despite her pal’s attempts at reassurance.

Moffat died by suicide the next day.

Her grieving mother, Anne, is now calling for an overhaul in Treasury practices, with the inquest having heard how Moffat’s line manager should’ve been in charge of her ‘pastoral care’, despite her direct oversight role.

‘The evidence establishes a clear sequence of events,’ said Anne.

‘Had Chloe been properly supported and advised of her rights before the meeting, she would not have been so devastated and isolated.’

She is pushing for the department to be required to ‘assess employees’ mental welfare’ amid disciplinary proceedings. It is understood that changes are already being implemented.

Where serious or gross misconduct is alleged, she adds the matter should be ‘treated as formal from the outset, and the accused is informed of their rights’.

Lawyers representing the department have stated that managers are undergoing additional training, with a Treasury spokesperson saying: ‘We are deeply saddened by the death of our colleague Chloe last year. 

‘Our thoughts remain with her family, friends and those affected by her loss.’

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Blind drink-driver followed lorry lights for 150 miles – before police spotted him

Anthony Hall was over the drink-drive limit when police noticed him ‘drifting’ on the motorway (Picture: Newsquest/SWNS)

A blind man charged with drink driving travelled 150 miles through the night before police noticed him.

Anthony Hall had taken his partner’s car without permission before setting off from Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, despite being registered blind, unlicensed, and uninsured.

The 49-year-old made his journey towards Cumbria while over the drink-drive limit by following the taillights of lorries.

He was only spotted when he began drifting between two lanes on the motorway and towards the hard shoulder.

Police saw him behind the wheel of the Vauxhall Meriva near Junction 44 at Carlisle at around 1.45am on June 29.

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A court heard it was ‘miraculous’ that nobody was killed or seriously injured during the two-hour motorway drive.

A court heard how it was a ‘miracle’ Hall’s actions did not seriously hurt anyone (Picture: Newsquest/SWNS)

When pulled over, Hall smelt of alcohol and admitted he had been drinking wine.

He then stunned officers by revealing he had been blind for two years – and had navigated the motorway by following HGV lights.

Hall appeared at Rickergate Magistrates’ Court in Carlisle, where he admitted dangerous driving, drink-driving, driving without a licence or insurance, and taking his partner’s car without consent.

Prosecutor Suresh Basra said: ‘Mr Hall was a man of good character, and he has no previous convictions.

‘He is registered blind and does not have a driving licence, so he is not allowed to drive.

‘But he took the vehicle in question from his partner without her knowing.

He has been banned from driving until his next court appearance (Picture: Newsquest/SWNS)

‘He drove 150 miles from Huddersfield.’

Police had been asked to look out for the car after it was reported missing.

Mr Basra added that ‘the defendant was asked how he had managed to drive’, to which he explained his following of HGV lights.

A breath test showed Hall, of Lees Close, Huddersfield, had 46mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath. The legal limit is 35mcg.

Mr Basra described the offending as ‘prolonged and persistent’, adding that ‘there was a decision to ignore the rules of the road and risk danger to others’.

‘There was also the consumption of alcohol, and although there was no injury, it’s miraculous that Mr Hall has been so fortunate and that there was no injury or damage.’

Adele Graham, defending, said there were ‘a lot of circumstances’ magistrates would need to consider before sentencing, including Hall’s personal life and background.

She asked for a pre-sentence report to be prepared.

Magistrates agreed and adjourned sentencing until September 8.

Hall has been handed an interim driving ban until then.

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Body found in river confirmed as missing schoolboy Taylor Charlton, 15

Taylor Charlton went missing on May 8 (Picture: Devon and Cornwall Police/PA Wire)

Police have said they are ‘extremely saddened’ to confirm that missing teenager Taylor Charlton’s body has been found.

The Devon schoolboy was last seen on the night of May 8, with CCTV placing him near the Tarka Leisure Centre and the Seven Brethren car park at 10.41pm.

An extensive search had been conducted to find him, with remains recovered from the River Taw 48 days later on June 24. Charlton was walking in the direction of the river in his final sighting.

In a new statement, a Devon and Cornwall Police spokesperson said tonight: ‘This is not the outcome that anyone hoped for, and we know how deeply this will affect the local community, who have shown tremendous support throughout the search.

‘An investigation into the circumstances surrounding Taylor’s death remains ongoing, and detectives will continue to establish the full facts.’

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Charlton, from Barnstaple, was 14 at the time he disappeared but has since had a birthday.

The teenager’s body was found in a river following an extensive search (Picture: Devon and Cornwall Police)

Police were called to the River Taw near Sticklepath, Barnstaple, at 4.20pm on June 24 after human remains were seen in the water.

Initially, there was no evidence to suggest third-party involvement, but new information ultimately came to light, indicating Charlton had been ‘harmed’.

A woman in her 40s and a 20-year-old man were subsequently arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with his disappearance.

Both remain on police bail while the investigation continues.

The force has urged the public to help the investigation by avoiding speculation and by not sharing unconfirmed information online, having also previously vowed to ‘leave no stone unturned’.

It also asked for the privacy of the boy’s family to be respected as they ‘come to terms with this tragic news’.

Devon and Cornwall Police praised the ‘tremendous support’ of the local community with their efforts in trying to find Charlton alive (Picture: NMPH)

His loved ones had been informed of Charlton’s identification and are being supported by specialist officers.

Anyone with information that may prove useful should contact the police.

Identification of Charlton’s body comes after his own mother, Zoe Harvey, was forced to respond after being targeted by a disturbing online message, which compared her son’s disappearance to that of Jay Slater, 19, who died in Tenerife, Spain, in 2024.

There was also speculation that the first arrest made was of Harvey herself.

Harvey then stated that she ‘had nothing to do with [her] son’s murder’ and liked a post reading: ‘I would like to make it absolutely clear that it was not Taylor’s grieving, heartbroken mother who was arrested today.

‘The speculation, disrespect, arrogance and harmful comments need to stop.

‘Taylor’s family and friends have lost a son, brother, grandson, nephew and best friend. Please show some decency and respect during this incredibly difficult time.’

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