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Concern for missing autistic boy Concern for missing autistic boy
(about 1 hour later)
A major search is under way in Devon for missing autistic teenager. A major search is under way in Devon for a missing autistic teenager.
Police and Dartmoor Rescue teams are looking for 17-year-old Richard Eckton, who was last seen in Eggesford, Chumleigh at 1830 BST on Saturday. Police, dogs, divers and Dartmoor Rescue teams are looking for Richard Eckton, who was last seen in Eggesford, Chumleigh at 1830 BST on Saturday.
The vulnerable teenager carries a blue folder with pictures to help him communicate and his condition often draws him towards water. The 17-year-old, who has a mental age of three, carries a blue folder with pictures to help him communicate. His condition often draws him to water.
He is 5ft 10in, of slim build, with mousy short hair and blue eyes and was wearing blue jeans and white T-shirt.He is 5ft 10in, of slim build, with mousy short hair and blue eyes and was wearing blue jeans and white T-shirt.
It's absolutely crucial we find him as soon as possible Supt Sarah Sharpe, Devon and Cornwall Police
Devon and Cornwall Police said Richard was walking along a footpath which follows the River Taw and the Tarka rail line when he ran away from his two carers into nearby woodland.
"Temperatures were quite low and he was only wearing a T-shirt, so we're very concerned, particularly with the location of the river nearby," Supt Sarah Sharpe told BBC News.
"He is very vulnerable and it's absolutely crucial we find him as soon as possible."
"He is absolutely no danger to the public."
Supt Sharpe said the search was challenging because of the terrain, which included woodland, river, rail track and the busy A377.
Anyone who may have sighted the teenager or has any information is asked to contact police.Anyone who may have sighted the teenager or has any information is asked to contact police.
"Anybody approaching Richard should say his name - he'll find that reassuring, but avoiding eye contact will help because he'll be quite frightened," Supt Sharpe added.