Spanish Police have been slammed for their “opaque” investigation into finding missing Jay Slater.
The 19-year-old disappeared after a night out in Tenerife and it was his first holiday away from family.
He was last heard of when he spoke to his friend on the phone saying that he was lost and needed water.
Speaking about the investigation of GB News today, News correspondent Charlie Peters said: “Friends of the family have criticised the police for not providing sufficient information in English.
“They didn’t have a translator at the start, they’ve been concerned that Lancashire Police have offered resources and had those were rejected fundamentally as all these back and forths go on.
“As all this criticism continues, Jay Slater is still missing and a significant operation expanded. The operation will launch tomorrow at 9am.”
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
He added: “Opaque is certainly the word that many critics are using on the island because there has not been a single press conference from the Civil Guard since this operation was launched.
“There are no opportunities for journalists and people on the ground to ask those direct questions.
“We’ve been drip-fed information and occasional newspaper reports are providing updates. You’re only able really to judge the Civil Guards mountain rescue teams based on what you can see them doing.”
Spanish Police have been hunting for the missing teen
PA
In the latest development of the investigation into the 19-year-old Briton’s disappearance, Spanish police have asked for volunteers to join a large-scale search operation.
In a statement, police said: “The Guardia Civil is preparing and coordinating a large search to find the young British man missing in the village of Masca.
“We are requesting collaboration of all volunteer associations: Civil Protection, Fire Department etc, and including private expert volunteers in the difficult search terrain.”
Slater was last heard from on Monday last week as he told a friend he planned to walk to his accommodation after missing a bus, a journey expected to take around 11 hours on foot.
Slater flew from Lancashire to the Canary Islands for a music festival but disappeared after he went to stay with people he met during a night out on June 16.
During his final call to his friend Lucy Law at 8am local time last Monday, the 19-year-old said his phone had only one per cent battery, he was thirsty and he did not know where he was.
His last location showed he was in the Rural de Teno Park – an area popular among hikers. He has not been seen since and the search has entered its 10th day.
Earlier this week, two extra dogs and their handlers were flown in from Spain to join in with the search of the “very difficult” terrain.
