Missing Apprentice Bricklayer: Detective Offers Help as Search Enters Second Week
The hunt for missing 19-year-old Jay Slater enters its second week with fresh hope. Mark Williams-Thomas, the famed detective-turned-TV investigator who exposed Jimmy Savile’s crimes, has revealed that Jay’s mother is “keen to accept my team’s help.” Jay vanished after a night out at a Tenerife nightclub, sparking a major cross-border investigation.
Jay Slater Vanishes After Tenerife Music Festival
Jay, from Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire, disappeared last Monday after attending the three-day NRG music festival on the Spanish island. He was last seen trying to walk back to his accommodation. According to festival friend Lucy Mae Law, Jay called her early Monday morning, saying he was “lost in the mountains,” confused, thirsty, and that his phone was down to 1% battery.
Firefighters and Guardia Civil officers have since zeroed in on small buildings near the last known location of Jay’s phone signal, near a ravine in Rural de Teno Park.
UK Detective Reaches Out Amidst Family Struggles
Williams-Thomas took to X (formerly Twitter) to update the public: “Jay Slater’s family, clearly struggling with media attention, have switched off all phones and cut contact. I am waiting to speak to mum later today but a close relative said she is keen to accept my team’s help.”
“Having worked with many families at crisis point when a child goes missing, the loved ones become the eye of the storm. It’s very, very tough for them to manage all enquiries alongside their own stress and worry.”
TikTok Sleuths Join Search, Family Criticises Spanish Police
Adding to the frenzy, TikTok users have flown to Tenerife to aid the search despite no direct connection. Paul Arnott, 29, from Scotland, spent £400 to get there and said, “I’ve been trying to contact mountain rescue all day but haven’t been able to get through.
Jay’s family and friends have slammed Spanish police for turning down British assistance. Friend Lucy Mae Law said, “We are having to do this all by ourselves as Spanish police are not doing a good enough job.”
Mother Debbie Duncan remains in Tenerife, vowing to stay until Jay is found. She made a heartfelt plea, “We just need you home.”
Community Rallies with Fundraising and Heartfelt Visits
A GoFundMe page supporting Jay’s family hit its £30,000 target within three days. Debbie Duncan expressed immense gratitude for the “generosity and kindness during this difficult time.”
Jay’s father Warren and brother Zak visited the last ping location of his phone, visibly distraught. Warren said through tears, “He’s my son. I just want him back.”
The search continues across Tenerife’s rugged terrain around the village of Masca and nearby areas.
For anyone struggling during this difficult time, contact the Samaritans on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org.
