Jay Slater's 'terrified' grandma shares family update as search continues

The grandmother of missing teen Jay Slater has broken her silence, expressing her deep concern for her cherished grandson. June Duncan gave her first interview to LancsLive since her grandson vanished in Tenerife on Monday.

The 19 year old was reported missing after he didn't return to the apartment he was sharing with friends. Jay's mother, Debbie Duncan, and her eldest son Zak rushed to Tenerife after police arrived at her Oswaldtwistle home in the early hours of Tuesday.

Following an officer's advice to 'fly out there now if I was you', she quickly packed a bag and caught the first flight from Manchester. Speaking from her home on the outskirts of Clitheroe, June shared how her family had been trying to protect her from the speculation surrounding Jay's disappearance, reports Lancs Live.

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She disclosed that her son Glen - Debbie's brother - flew to Tenerife yesterday (Wednesday) to support his sister. Debbie has expressed her distress, stating she is 'beside herself' as she hopes for positive news about her youngest son.

"I don't read newspapers but it's been on the news on telly so much I can't escape it," said June, 77. "I've not spoken to Debbie much but other family members are keeping me updated."

She explained: "My son came to see me on Tuesday and he flew out there yesterday. He's gone with [Jay's] cousin to try and help but I don't know what they can do."

"I wouldn't be able to go out there, and I'm not sure what help I'd be, I just keep hoping for good news."

Expressing her deepest worries, she added: "I can't even begin to imagine how Debbie is. She rang me and said he'd gone missing. She didn't tell me at first, I think she was trying not to worry me, but then as time went on... ".

Her neighbours have shown her overwhelming support. A neighbour reached out to LancsLive, stating: "It's absolutely terrible what's happened. She's such a lovely woman."

She fondly reflected on Jay, whom she used to care for when he was a toddler, referring to him as "a lovely lad". Going further she says: "It's all just been such a blur."

The duration of the mystery has taken a toll as she put it: "The longer it goes on the more worrying it is. I'm just getting through each day at a time."

The similarities between her predicament and that of TV doctor Michael Mosley seem too close for comfort: "I watched all that on the news about [TV doctor] Michael Mosley and it's just so similar. It's hot out there in Tenerife and I just can't bear to think about what's happened to Jay, I'm terrified."

Being kept in the loop regarding any pivotal updates in the search for Jay, she struggles to cast away her worst fears. Resiliently she added: "You've got to remain positive," "I'm trying not to think about it too much but I can't help it. I just feel so powerless."