Police in Tenerife have issued an urgent call for volunteers to participate in a large-scale search operation for missing British teenager Jay Slater. The extensive search effort is set to take place in the village of Masca on Saturday.

In a statement, police officials said: “The Guardia Civil prepares and coordinates a large search to find the young British man missing in the village of Masca. The collaboration of all those Volunteer Associations is requested: Civil Protection, Firefighters, etc., and even private volunteers who are experts in the abrupt search terrain. The massive search will be carried out on Saturday, June 29th from 09:00.”

Jay Slater, a 19-year-old apprentice bricklayer from Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire, has been missing since Monday last week. He disappeared after attempting to walk back to his accommodation following the NRG music festival on the island. He was last heard from when he called a friend to say he had missed a bus and was setting off on foot.

The walk from his last known location, Rural de Teno Park in the north of the island, to his accommodation, would have taken approximately 11 hours on foot. The challenging terrain of the area has made the search particularly difficult, and specialist search dogs have already been deployed in the hunt for the missing teenager.

The local police are now seeking the assistance of volunteer groups, including Civil Protection units, firefighters, and private volunteers with expertise in navigating difficult search terrains, to bolster their efforts. The operation is set to commence at 9:00 AM on Saturday, June 29.

Jay Slater’s disappearance has prompted widespread concern, and his family and friends remain hopeful for his safe return. Volunteers who wish to assist in the search are encouraged to join the coordinated effort in Masca.