A “parallel operation” is being conducted into the circumstances surrounding Jay Slater’s disappearance with even the teen’s family not privy to its details, according to journalist Gerard Couzens.
The search for the 19-year-old apprentice bricklayer has entered a second week after he went missing following his attendance at the NRG music festival in Tenerife.
Slater had attempted to walk back to his accommodation after missing a bus.
According to Couzens, investigators are carrying out two separate operations.
Gerard Couzens says a parallel operation is taking place
PA / GB NEWS
He told GB News: “There’s two aspects of this police operation.
“There’s the very visible search involving the helicopters, the dogs, the mountain rescue experts and the family have said on the record that they’re happy with the information they’re getting from the police in respect of that search.
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Gerard Couzens joined Tom Harwood and Emily Carver on GB News
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“Now, there’s a parallel operation which is being conducted by what would be the equivalent of the old CID (Criminal Investigation Department).
“Police investigators are doing research behind the scenes and that information will not be shared, in theory, with anyone outside of the very small handful of people who need to be in the know.
“I understand the family have been critical of that side of the operation, but it’s a cultural thing. The police out here, the Civil Guard especially, which is one of the two national police forces, do not share information.”
A fundraiser set up by the last person to speak to Slater hit its target of £30,000 on Sunday.
A post on the page by Slater’s mother, Debbie Duncan, confirmed the fundraiser was “approved by our family”.
The post, published on Sunday, said: “We have not yet withdrawn any funds and are currently covering the expenses, such as the trip to Tenerife and accommodation, ourselves.
“The funds will remain on hold with GoFundMe until we post a further update on this page.
“We are extremely worried and are doing everything we can to find Jay.”
A GoFundMe spokesperson said: “We are in touch with Jay Slater’s mother, Debbie, and working with her to keep everyone updated on how their donations will be used in the search.
“For now, the money is with GoFundMe as we work through the next steps.”
