Jay Slater's mum's worrying admission as family swerves press conference

Concerns continue to grow for Jay Slater, the 19-year-old who vanished while holidaying with pals in Tenerife. And for worried mum Debbie Duncan, the past week and a half has been a living nightmare.

Debbie, 55, headed to the Canary Island with other family members after learning Jay had disappeared on the morning of Monday, June 17. A desperate search is still underway, with loved ones still holding out hope that the apprentice bricklayer will be found safe and well.

Police looking for Jay are now focusing their attention on where the festivalgoer's mobile phone last 'pinged' as they return to a ravine in a mountainous region of the island.

During a press conference held today, Detective Mark Williams-Thomas - a private investigator who assisted in the Nicola Bulley case - pleaded for the two men with whom Jay Slater went to the Airbnb after the rave on Sunday night "come forward with crucial information".

Explaining why Jay's family didn't take part in the conference, he said: "The family are very grateful for you to be heee. They appreciate the press are a really important aspect of the story but they are reluctant to speak because they really want to work with Spanish police, and Spanish authorities and they have not sanctioned this. We have to respect that.

"Since I have been here and worked with the family, I have spent yesterday with them and the night before and they are very, very united family and they are very supportive and their one mission of course is to find out what happened to Jay. They still live with the hope that Jay will return and he is, not safe, but still alive."

Here, the Mirror looks at Debbie's heartbreaking struggles as her agonising wait for answers continues.

Jay Slater and mum Debbie

Jay Slater

In an interview with the Mail Online, school finance advisor Debbie spoke of her anguish, revealing she's now reached her 'wit's end'. Debbie, of Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire, told the publication: "It's been a week now and it's been awful. I've barely slept and I'm at my wits' end. The Spanish police are doing a good job and we are getting updated from the consulate so we just put our faith in them.

She continued: "I know people in the UK have come forward as well who were at the festival and they are giving details of what they know but I'm not being told about that. Jay's very good friends from home have also been over and have put up posters. They are good kids and like me just want him home."

And sources told MailOnline that the distraught mum is so tormented that she is 'on the verge of a breakdown'. This comes as Debbie issued a five-word warning to those who've criticised the fundraiser set up to 'Get Jay Slater Home', which at the time of writing has raised more than £35,000 and counting.

Expressing dismay at the some of the speculation concerning Jay's disappearance, Debbie asked internet trolls to remember, 'This may happen to you'. Taking to Facebook, Debbie admitted that she felt 'let down' by some of the reactions she'd seen online, writing: "I really am saddened by all your comments. You seem to be so bothered about this GoFundMe page.

"I really hope I am not taking my son home in a body bag. The funds are not released and won't be if not needed. I really cannot believe the British public are not supporting me in trying to find Jay. This may happen to any of you one day. Very let down by you all."

Debbie Duncan

Tormented Debbie has had to contend with a number of wild rumours, including some comparing her to Karen Matthews, the mother who, in 2008, hatched a twisted plot to have young daughter Shannon Matthews kidnapped for ransom.

Hitting back at these cruel comparisons, Debbie has explained exactly why she hasn't been out searching for Jay, despite having flown out to the island. Speaking from the hotel where she and her family are staying, Debbie shared: “People keep asking on social media ‘why aren’t I up there?’ and calling me the new Karen Matthews. I just can’t face it.”

She continued: "I’m just exhausted. I’m still hopeful. I’m not feeling negative just yet. I know it’s five days. It’s not just that they’ve said absolutely not. I don’t know what it’s been like today because I’ve been advised to stay away because I would just break down."

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