Yahoo News Missing Jay Slater's Instagram account accessed by mystery user as Tenerife search goes on
A mystery individual has been using the Instagram account of missing British teenager Jay Slater, according to his concerned friends.
The hunt for the 19 year old is now in its sixth day, and yesterday saw helicopters, search dogs, and drones scouring northwest Tenerife. Jay vanished while on a trip to the Canary Island, with his last known contact being a phone call to his friend Lucy Law on Monday morning.
Updates on the search have been shared via an "official" Facebook group set up by friends, with the latest post addressing unexpected activity on Jay's Instagram profile. It's been reported that the account has seen frequent use since his disappearance, but friends are adamant neither he nor his mother have logged in.
A family friend conveyed a message from Jay's mother on the platform: "Jay's mums asked I post this... For everyone asking who has logged into his instagram account, it's not him or her, somebody else has logged into it." Subsequently, the friend disabled comments on the widely-liked post, reports the Mirror.
Jay, hailing from Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire, is believed to have gone missing after trying to walk back to where he was staying upon missing a bus. Another update posted on Friday on the same Facebook page sadly informed followers: "There isn't an update for anyone unfortunately.
"Struggling to find words at this time but all I can say is we are looking still and everyone is doing all they can. We are drained beyond words - I just can't say no more, I wish I could. I wish this would end now, this living nightmare. Searches are ongoing and we remain positive. Thanks to you all supporting and helping we can't thank you any more, much love."
Teams of search and rescue professionals were seen working with Guardia Civil officers near the village of Masca on Friday, focusing their efforts on an area of overgrown terrain. Several officers were observed surveying the landscape using binoculars before descending towards the base of the hillside.
Jay, who is training as a bricklayer, was last seen in a white T-shirt, shorts, trainers, and carrying a black bag. More than £23,500 has been contributed so far to a fundraiser set up by Ms Law that aims to "get Jay Slater home".
A spokesman from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office stated: "We are supporting the family of a British man who has been reported missing in Spain and are in contact with the local authorities."
