Police set to issue TV appeal as they hunt for clues about missing teenager Jay Slater

26 June 2024, 14:31

Police in Tenerife are planning a TV appeal for information about Jay Slater as they keep up their search efforts after his disappearance ten days ago.

Search teams are scouring the Rural de Reno National park as they try to find the 19-year-old holidaymaker.

Police are now reportedly considering a TV appeal which could even involve his parents Debbie Duncan and Warren Slater, who have both flown to the island.

A source told The Sun: “Although it’s still entirely possible Jay got disoriented and went missing after getting lost, cops aren’t ruling anything out. 

“They are open-minded to other scenarios which is why they are considering an appeal that would speak directly to people living locally who might have vital information. 

“It’s a race against time and although no resources are being cut back, the next few days are absolutely crucial.”

Spanish police meanwhile have told UK police forces that they don’t need their help.

A Lancashire constabulary statement said: "Whilst this case falls outside the jurisdiction of UK policing, we have made an offer of support to the Guardia Civil to see if they need any additional resources.

"They have confirmed that at this time they are satisfied that they have the resources they need, but that offer remains open and they will contact us should that position change."

Jay, from Lancashire, has been missing on the Spanish island of Tenerife for over a week.

His disappearance has sparked a huge manhunt, with police combing the Canary island for him - but with no success so far.

Officers posted a 35-second clip documenting the search on social media.

Read more: Jay Slater 'spotted watching Euros matches', local mayor claims, as 'several witnesses' spot missing British teen

Read more: Missing Jay Slater's 'last sighting' in Tenerife: Family share CCTV of mystery figure believed to be teen

"We continue with the search for the young British man missing in Tenerife," police said.

"Different Guardia Civil units from the area participate, joined by agents, with their dogs specialised in searching for people, from Madrid."

Jay's family are out on the island and have shared a grainy CCTV still that they believe could be the missing teenager. A local mayor also said residents claimed to have spotted Jay several times, including watching Euro 2024 football matches.

His mother Debbie Duncan and her son's friends flew out to Tenerife to assist in the search efforts, alongside his ex-girlfriend Jessica Ingham.

Speaking ahead of the search on Tuesday, Ms Duncan said: “It's been a week now and it's been awful. I've barely slept and I'm at my wits' end.

“The Spanish police are doing a good job and we are getting updated from the consulate so we just put our faith in them.”

Speaking to MailOnline, she continued: “I know people in the UK have come forward as well who were at the festival and they are giving details of what they know but I'm not being told about that.

“Jay's very good friends from home have also been over and have put up posters. They are good kids and like me just want him home.”

Friends of the missing British teenager also blasted theories circulating online about his disappearance, as they told the outlet: “Imagine if he was your son or brother, think about his poor mum.”

Jay’s friend and ex-girlfriend Jessica, 19, said: “What really gets me is all these online detectives who have got nothing better to do than spread malicious rumours and gossip, it's not helping the situation.

“People need to remember he is a missing person, and his mother is absolutely sick with worry and she doesn't need to read all kinds of rubbish that are being written about him.”

Spanish police have faced criticism from Jay's friends over the way they have dealt with the search.

One friend, Lucy Law, who flew out with the teenager, accused them of “not doing a good enough job”.

But officers have said they are "totally focused" on tracking the 19-year-old down and will continue to prioritise that, despite facing criticism.

It comes after Lancashire Police said they had offered to help out but were rejected by Spanish police.