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Search launched for autistic youth
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A major search is under way after a vulnerable autistic teenager went missing during a walk with carers.
Seventeen-year-old Richard Eckton, who is understood to have the mental age of a three-year-old, was last seen at 6.30pm on Saturday in the area of Eggesford near Chumleigh, Devon.
A Devon and Cornwall police spokesman said Richard's condition tends to encourage him to move towards water and he has difficulty communicating so normally carries a blue folder with pictures to help him.
It is understood he was walking along a footpath near a river when he ran away from his two carers into nearby woodland.
The spokesman said: "Richard is autistic and vulnerable.
"He is a white male, fair, mousy hair short, blue eyes, fair skinned, slim build, wearing blue jeans and white t-shirt."
The spokesman said the force is being helped in the search by various moorland rescue groups and dog handlers.
Supt Sarah Sharpe told BBC News they are "very concerned" about Richard's welfare.
She said: "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.
"He is very vulnerable and it's absolutely crucial we find him as soon as possible."
