Missing teenager search resumes

Charlotte Pinkney: House to house inquiries have proved fruitless

A man arrested in connection with the disappearance of a north Devon teenager has been released on police bail.

The 22-year-old was arrested following the disappearance of Charlotte Pinkney, 17, from Ilfracombe, who has not been seen since 28 February.

More than 20 officers resumed their search for Charlotte on Tuesday in the Slade valley area. Divers also continued searching a nearby reservoir.

Officers are urging anyone who has any information about her to contact them.

Out of character

Charlotte Pinkney has not been seen since leaving a party at the Slade Road Community Centre in Ilfracombe in the early hours of Saturday, 28 February.

It is believed she left the party with two men in a red Vauxhall Cavalier car.

Police said it was very out of character for Charlotte not to make contact with her parents.

Officers spent Tuesday morning going through information received from members of the public, and senior officers have been meeting to assess how inquiries should progress.

So far, searches have been concentrated around the area where Charlotte was last seen. They are considering whether to widen the area.

Divers have been searching reservoirs

CCTV footage from the town is also being looked at.

People in Ilfracombe said they were very surprised by her disappearance.

One man who knew her said: "She was alright.

"You never think that anything like this would happen. She had loads of friends."

A local woman said: "People round this area just don't believe that it could happen around here.

"As a mother, I couldn't really imagine it."

On Monday, her mother, Sara McKee, appealed for her to get in touch.

She said: "Obviously we are all very worried and concerned. We just want you to get in touch with us, just to let us know you are OK."

The bailed man was ordered to report back to police on 15 April.