Jay Slater investigator finds 'important background information' as search for teen continues

A former British police detective, now a private investigator specialising in missing persons cases, has highlighted that there are still "a number of outstanding actions" to be taken in the ongoing search for Jay Slater. The 19-year-old vanished on the island of Tenerife, and despite two weeks having passed since his disappearance was reported on June 17, the Spanish police have ended their physical search but will continue their investigative efforts.

The official search for Jay, a Lancashire teenager, may have been halted by authorities after yielding no results, yet his family and supporters are determined to persist in their quest for answers. Compounding the mystery are unresolved queries regarding two individuals reportedly seen with the Oswaldtwistle youth on the night he disappeared.

Mark Williams-Thomas, a former detective who gained fame for his role in unveiling the crimes of Jimmy Savile, has been actively involved in the case. He has interviewed witnesses and gathered confidential information which offers a more comprehensive account of Jay's last confirmed whereabouts.

Following the end of the Spanish police's physical search, Williams-Thomas commented on Sunday evening, stating: "Although the police search in the mountains and around Masca has concluded, the police investigation into Jay Slater's disappearance remains ongoing."

He further stated: "In regard to our investigation we have been able to speak to important witnesses and now have a very detailed picture of Jay's movements over the 16th and 17th, along with important background information. We still have a number of outstanding actions, but have given the family a preliminary breakdown of findings," reports the Mirror.

Jay's mother has confirmed that funds totalling £44,000 from the GoFundMe page set up to aid in locating the missing teenager are being used to fly out family members, as well as provide accommodation and food for them, as the search enters its third week.

Additionally, Mr Williams-Thomas mentioned: "In light of the police search ending, I have suggested the family should use the GoFundMe money to continue the search using experts in searching. I would appeal again, if you have any 'direct information' having spoken to Jay or anyone that was with him overnight 16/17th and have not yet been in contact please do so."

This update on the investigation into Jay's last known whereabouts comes following the conclusion of the Spanish authority's extensive weekend search which yielded no new leads, leading some to label it merely as a PR exercise. Jay's father, Warren, and his older brother, Zak, visited the search site on Saturday providing an update from the family's perspective.

Despite being estranged, Warren, aged 58, maintains a good relationship with Debbie. Speaking about Saturday's search operation, he said: "It's a bit disappointing that there are no British apart from [British TikTokker] Paul, but I suppose to them he's just a British lad who's come out here and got drunk."