Jay Slater's disappearance 'may be linked to criminal network' with history of violent crime

The ex-copper claimed he spoke with a “key witness” in the investigation.

Williams-Thomas, a former police officer, said: “As part of this investigation we have sought to identify and speak with as many people, that Jay had contact with, while he was in Tenerife.

“The result of this digging has opened up an established criminal network, with links to drugs, violent crime and theft.

“At this stage, I cannot expand any further on what we now know.

“At this stage, I am unable to say if this network has anything to do with Jay’s disappearance, but remain open-minded as we continue to investigate.”

He added: “We knew the two men that took Jay back to their apartment were key people to speak to.

“I’ve now spoken, in some detail, to one of these men. I have also identified the other male who was with him but have not yet spoken with him.

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“He says he was on the strip and Jay wanted to carry on partying.

“He said he had nowhere to stay so he said ‘come back to his’.

“In the car they played music and chatted before stopping to get a drink at a café/shop before entering the mountains.”

Slater is believed to have decided to walk back to his own accommodation in Los Cristianos.

The 19-year-old reportedly missed a bus and decided to make the return journey, which takes about 11 hours, on foot.

Tenerife's Guardia Civil suspended the search for the teenager after helicopters, drones and search dogs were deployed to find him.

The Slaters have been putting pressure on local police to resume the search.

A source told The Sun: “They are desperate for permission to be granted that will allow them to use the specialist equipment they’ve identified.

“They’ve been speaking to experts who have suggested items that could help.

“Things like [radar] tracking gear, drones and kit which can help at night-time too.”