Teenager charged with murder of Annan man who disappeared on cross-border drive

Police in Cumbria have charged a 19-year-old with the alleged murder of a Scottish man who was reported missing in October.

Paul Taylor has not been seen since October 17 after leaving his home in Annan in Dumfries and Galloway.

Cumbria Police believe that the 56-year-old travelled towards Carlisle shortly before midnight on October 17 via the M6 Southbound.

They say the car then headed in the direction of the Kingmoor South area of Carlisle and the Carlisle West area.

Mr Taylor’s car was later found abandoned in Langwathby at around 8.45am on October 19.

Murder-accused Jack Crawley, 19, of Sheehan Crescent, Carlisle is due to appear before Carlisle Magistrates on February 16.

The body of Mr Taylor has not yet been found.

Detectives said it was a “significant step forward” and are continuing their investigation and would still like to hear from anyone who has any information relating to this case, or the whereabouts of his body.

Detective chief superintendent Dave Pattinson said: “This of course, is a significant step forward in the investigation, but that does not mean the work of the investigation stops here. We are still appealing to the public for information that will lead us to finding Paul’s body.

“We have a team of detectives continuing to work tirelessly and thoroughly to piece together the circumstances that led to Paul’s disappearance and to locate his body, giving his family the answers they desperately deserve.

“Please, if you have any information which you have not yet come forward with, I urge you to do so. You can call 101 and speak to a member of the Operation Focus team, or, if you don’t feel comfortable speaking with police, you can call Crimestoppers totally anonymously on 0800 555 111.

“Paul’s family continue to be supported and updated throughout our investigation and will remain so throughout the judicial process.”