Search for missing Jay Slater in Tenerife called off by police

The search for missing Jay Slater near the mountain village of Masca has been called off by police.

The Civil Guard announced today that the nearly two-week-long search, which involved sniffer dogs, a helicopter, and mountain rescue experts, has now ended. They added that officers would continue to act on any tip-offs or other information received, but the active work that has been ongoing since 17 June when the 19 year old apprentice bricklayer was reported missing will now cease.

This major development was confirmed less than 24 hours after a 'last push' operation involving around 30 police, firefighters, Civil Protection, and a handful of volunteers failed to find any trace of the 19 year old from Oswaldtwistle in Lancashire. Although they have stated that the case 'remains open' and are awaiting any further information that may lead to finding Jay.

Read more: Iceland says do not eat food product due to 'serious health risks'

Read more: Altcourse inmate's heartbreaking 'if I die tonight' message to mum

A spokeswoman for the Civil Guard said today: "The search operation has now finished although the case remains open."

A well-informed source added: "The daily operation which has been going on in and around Masca close to where Jay was last seen has been brought to an end. If any information comes in that merits a new search though it will be acted upon.", reports the Manchester Evening News.

"My understanding is Jay's parents have been informed of what obviously is a major development. Nothing of any relevance was found during yesterday's large-scale search."

Jay was last spotted by a local resident in Masca, north-west Tenerife, just after 8am on June 17. He was seen walking northwards along the road out of the village after asking her for directions.

His phone's last known location was near a look-out point where search teams gathered yesterday to begin the final day of the operation.

His friend, Lucy Law, revealed that Jay had called her shortly after he was last seen, saying he was thirsty, had no water and his phone battery was at one per cent. The Civil Guard has stated that the 'parallel' investigation by police investigators, which they are not sharing information on, is continuing despite the suspension of the 'visible' mountain search in and around Masca.

Don't miss the biggest and breaking stories by signing up to the Echo Daily newsletter here

Receive newsletters with the biggest and breaking TV and showbiz news by signing up here