The search for missing British teenager Jay Slater has taken a new turn as police investigate a possible sighting of him in the village of Santiago del Teide, Tenerife. Jay, 19, was reportedly seen with two unknown men at around 6pm on Monday, approximately 10 hours after he was last known to be in the mountainous area of Rural de Teno Park.
Jay’s mother, Debbie Duncan, who is currently in Tenerife to support the search efforts, revealed that the police are probing the sighting, although it has not yet been confirmed. Debbie stated, “Someone has come forward to say they saw someone who they thought was Jay walking back down the road and sat on a bench. He was with two men looking a bit worse for wear, and they were by a church. Police are looking into it. We don’t know if it was Jay for sure, but it’s a start.”
This potential lead adds a new dimension to the ongoing search, which has primarily focused on the rugged terrain near the village of Masca. Jay was last heard from on Monday morning when he called his friend Lucy Law, indicating he was lost and needed help.
Search teams have been meticulously combing the Rural de Teno Park area, known for its steep cliffs and challenging conditions. The reported sighting in Santiago del Teide has prompted police to expand their search parameters to include this new location.
The community continues to rally around Jay’s family, with volunteers and local businesses providing support for the search efforts. Andrew Knight, a local car rental owner, has offered vehicles to assist volunteers in reaching remote areas. He described the landscape as “treacherous and dangerous,” emphasizing the difficulties faced by search teams.
Jay, from Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire, disappeared after attending the NRG music festival with friends. His last known contact was on Monday morning, when he attempted to walk back to his accommodation after missing a bus.
The Slater family remains hopeful as search efforts intensify with this new lead. The “Get Jay Slater Home” GoFundMe page has raised over £27,000, demonstrating the widespread support for finding Jay. Authorities continue to urge anyone with information about Jay’s whereabouts or the individuals he was last seen with to come forward.
As the search continues, the focus remains on piecing together Jay’s last known movements and exploring all potential leads to ensure his safe return. The dedication of search teams and the community’s support highlight the collective effort to bring Jay home.