TV detective says he has 'important information' on missing Jay Slater's last movements in Tenerife

A former police detective conducting his own probe into the disappearance of teenager Jay Slater has claimed to have discovered 'important information' about his final movements. Jay, 19, from Lancashire, disappeared on the morning of June 17 after reportedly staying at a rural Airbnb in Masca, over 30km away from where he had attended a rave the previous night.

On Sunday (June 30), it was announced that the ground search for Jay, which involved mountain rescue teams, police, fire crews and volunteers, as well as assistance from drones, helicopters and sniffer dogs, had been suspended after nearly two weeks. The Civil Guard, who are leading the investigation, stated that officers would continue to follow up on any tips or other information received - but the active work that has been ongoing since June 17 when the 19-year-old apprentice bricklayer was reported missing would stop.

Former policeman turned TV investigator Mark Williams-Thomas, who personally travelled to the Spanish island to meet with Jay's family and promised to 'get them answers', has now provided an update on social media as his investigations persist, reports the Manchester Evening News.

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He disclosed that he had spoken to 'important witnesses' to construct a 'very detailed picture of Jay's movements' on the day before and the day of his disappearance on June 16 and 17 and had unearthed 'important background information'. In a post to X, he stated: "Although the police search in the mountains and around Masca has concluded, the police investigation into Jay Slater's disappearance remains ongoing."

He added: "In regard to our investigation we have been able to speak to important witnesses and now have a very detailed picture of Jays movements over 16 and 17th [of June] along with important background information. We still have a number of outstanding actions , but have given the family a preliminary breakdown of findings . 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 over night 16/17th and have not yet been in contact please do so."

The former officer held a press conference on the island on Wednesday (June 26), where he made a direct plea for the two men who Jay stayed with at the Airbnb to come forward and announced the opening of a new hotline number for the public to call with information.

A spokesperson for the Civil Guard said on Sunday: "The search operation has now finished although the case remains open."