The mother of missing Jay Slater says she “cannot put into words” the heartache her family are feeling – as it approaches a month since the teenager’s disappearance on the island of Tenerife.

Debbie Duncan released a statement on Sunday through the British overseas missing persons charity, LBT Global.

Jay, 19, went missing on the Spanish island of Tenerife. He was last heard from on 17 June after setting off to walk back to his accommodation – a journey of about 11 hours.

He flew out with friends on 13 June to attend a music festival at Papagayo nightclub in the southern resort of Playa de las Americas three days later.

At 8.30am on 17 June, he called his friend Lucy Law, telling her he had missed a bus, his phone battery was on 1%, and he had cut his leg on a cactus.

His mother said: “As we approach four weeks of our beautiful Jay’s disappearance, we cannot put into words the heartache we are suffering as a family.

“He is loved by everyone and has a close bond with his family and many many friends.”

She also referenced “vile” comments and conspiracy theories that are “filling social media”.

“We would like to say that we are aware of the awful comments,” she said.

“These theories are hindering the people trying to help us in their investigations here in Tenerife and are vile to see as a family.”

Ms Duncan described her boy as a “loving son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend to so many”.

She added: “He is such a popular boy and this is very distressing for us all to read.”

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Matthew Searle, the chief executive of LBT Global, said “horrific things” are “even [being] sent directly to family and friends”.

He added: “It’s important to consider how the family will feel when horrific things are being posted online.

“What is important is to locate Jay, and the constant barrage of conspiracy theories and wild speculation simply delays that happening – it must end.”

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