Yahoo News Jay Slater: Former British detective outlines key focus in search for missing teen in Tenerife
Former British Detective Mark Williams-Thomas is in Tenerife helping the family of missing teenager Jay Slater.
Williams-Thomas, an experienced investigator with numerous high-profile missing persons cases under his belt, was seen yesterday conducting inquiries at the holiday accommodation where the 19 year old bricklaying apprentice was last seen on Monday. When approached outside the residence by the Mirror, Mr Williams-Thomas stated: "I don't want to talk in detail at the moment, but I've spent time with the family and my focus now is to build a clear timeline of the last 24 hours before Jay disappeared.
"My focus is very much to ensure that I'm here to support the family and work with the Spanish authorities to get answers."
The 54 year old began his investigation as day nine dawned on the search and rescue operation for Jay. Meanwhile, backup forces including sniffer dogs have just arrived from Madrid.
A spokesperson for the Tenerife police declared: "The Civil Guard is continuing with the search operation for the young British man. Several dog trainers and their expert dogs who have transferred from Madrid have joined the search. These dogs are specifically trained in searching for people over large swathes of land.", reports the Mirror.
Police forces and fire personnel are also persisting in their searches through three separate gulleys, including one where it is speculated that Jay's phone was last detected shortly after his disappearance on Monday, June 17.
Furthermore, the spokesman confirmed that new areas north of Masca Gorge are now being searched. This area is significant because Jay's phone last sent signals from this location.
Forest trails and tracks are among the places they have expanded their search to. Mr Williams-Thomas, in a sincere effort to assist in the investigation, offered his services free-of-charge to Jay's distressed mother, Debbie Duncan, aged 55.
Before the family accepted his assistance, Mr Williams-Thomas stated his belief that he can provide answers for the family in just three days. He also declared his intention to "track down" the two British men reportedly hosting Jay in a holiday rental the evening before he disappeared.
He had stated with conviction: "Having feet on the ground and looking at the scenario and circumstances, I know I will get to the bottom of this in three days."
He asserted confidently that he could quickly determine if there were any suspicious circumstances surrounding Jay's disappearance. However, he noted that he would require complete access to all related information and witnesses.
He urged the family's full cooperation in his investigation. Reflecting on the challenges the family faces, dealing with foreign authorities who might handle matters differently, he reiterated the necessity to speak to every witness involved or anyone who has been near him since his arrival on the island.
Some people may become persons of interest during the course of his investigation.
TV detective Mark Williams-Thomas, who previously worked on the Nicola Bulley's disappearance case amongst other major investigations, is contributing to the search for missing teen Jay. This announcement comes just days after potential new evidence, a grainy webcam image possibly showing Jay and his dad, was shared by the family.
The picture was taken at 6pm last week Monday - a full 10 hours since Jay was last definitively seen.
Debbie, Jay's mother and school finance officer, has been distressed over her son's disappearance stating: "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. 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."
Jay had been celebrating at the New Rave Generation festival in southwest Tenerife when he inexplicably disappeared last Monday. After leaving the festival with two British men, he headed to their holiday rental, a significant distance of more than 20 miles from the Los Cristianos apartment where he resided with his best friend Lucy Law, 18, and another buddy.
Early on Monday morning, he contacted Lucy, informing her that he was lost, trying to find his way back home devoid of any water and with only 1% battery left on his phone. It's reported that his phone died twenty minutes later, around 8:50am.
Mr Williams-Thomas stated on Sunday: "It's a week on now - I need to get on the ground and get them answers. It's about finding Jay. I come with credibility, will work with them and Spanish police, and get them the answers they need. We need to establish what the involvement is with these two guys [he stayed with], why he went back to the Airbnb and then why just leave? The chances of him wandering off are possible, but is there more to this? ".
