Spanish authorities have made a heartbreaking discovery in their search for missing British teenager Jay Slater, whose disappearance has gripped both his family and the public.
Now Slater's family is being supported by British overseas missing persons charity LBT Global.
A body was found earlier today (July 15) in the Masca area of Tenerife, exactly four weeks after the 19-year-old vanished following a night out.
While formal identification is pending, the Civil Guard has indicated that all evidence strongly suggests the remains belong to Jay Slater.
The location where the body was found aligns with the last known ping from Jay's phone before it ceased functioning.
In response to the discovery, the British overseas missing persons charity LBT Global issued a statement, confirming the grim news and emphasizing their support for Jay's devastated family.
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According to the charity, Jay's belongings and clothing were discovered alongside the body, although formal procedures such as a post-mortem and forensic examinations are still to follow.
In full, the charity's statement read: "LBT Global is saddened to announce that a body found in Tenerife does look to be that of Jay Slater. It is understood the body was found close to the site of his mobile phone’s last location.
"Although formal identification is yet to be carried out, the body was found with Mr Slater’s possessions and clothes. A post-mortem and forensic enquiries will follow.
"LBT Global are supporting the family at this distressing time and ask for everyone to afford them space and privacy to come to terms with the news."
The Civil Guard in Tenerife underscored the exhaustive efforts undertaken in the search, spanning 29 days of relentless investigation.
They expressed confidence that the discovered body is that of the missing teenager, pending the completion of formal identification procedures.
"After 29 constant days of searching, the lifeless body of the young man has been found in the Masca area," stated a spokesman for the Civil Guard. "The discovery has been possible thanks to the tireless and discreet search carried out by the Civil Guard over these 29 days."
In a supportive gesture, Lancashire Police also extended condolences to Jay's family, acknowledging the difficult period they are facing and offering ongoing assistance.
"We have today been notified by the Guardia Civil that they have found the body of a man and that the indications are that this is Jay Slater," Lancashire Police stated.
"While at this stage no formal identification has been carried out our thoughts are very much with Jay’s family at this time, and we continue to offer them our support."
The news marks a tragic conclusion to weeks of uncertainty and hope for Jay's safe return, leaving his loved ones to grapple with profound grief.
As investigations proceed, both British and Spanish authorities are working to provide closure and answers to the questions surrounding Jay's disappearance.
