Jay Slater’s mum responds to cruel messages as she hits back at ‘British public’ in search for missing teenager

Jay Slater's mum has hit out at the cruel messages from the 'British public' following her son's disappearance.

The 19-year-old, from Oswaldtwistle in Lancashire, has now been missing for over a week after he vanished while on holiday in Tenerife.

Jay had been attending a festival on the island with friends when he decided to travel to an Airbnb with a group of people he'd just met on 16 June.

He was last heard from on the morning of 17 June when he revealed to his friend Lucy Law that he 'didn't know where he was' in a mountainous area.

Jay's mum Debbie Duncan has responded to comments made by the 'British public'. (ITV News)

In the days following his disappearance an extensive search has taken place across the island, with Jay's family flying out to help local authorities.

The case has also received extensive media coverage, with the family's decision to raise donations via a GoFundMe page dividing people on the internet.

Jay's mother, Debbie Duncan, has now responded to the criticism of the fundraiser, revealing her disappointment in the 'British public'.

"I am really am saddened by all your comments. You seem to be so bothered about this GoFundMe page," Debbie wrote in a statement on Facebook.

She continued: "I really hope I am not taking my son home in a body bag. 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."

The comments come as donations on the page have reached £34,771 at the time of writing, exceeding the family's original £30,000 target.

Debbie has flown to Tenerife as the search for her son ramps up. (Facebook)

In a separate post on the donation page, Debbie thanked those who have shared their support with the family, writing: "Thank you all for your generosity and kindness during this difficult time. I wanted to confirm that this is the only GoFundMe fundraiser approved by our family."

She went on to add that the family are yet to withdraw any funds from the page and are currently covering the costs of their trip to the Spanish island themselves.

Debbie continued: "We are extremely worried and are doing everything we can to find Jay. Please continue to share our fundraiser far and wide. Your support means the world to us, and we are grateful for any help you can provide."

The 19-year-old has been missing in Tenerife for over a week. (Family Handout)

The search for Jay has now entered its second week, with local firefighters and the Tenerife Civil Defence combing the area of National Park of Teno in the North West of Tenerife, which is where Jay's phone last pinged.

Debbie previously revealed her fears that her son may have been taken 'against his will'.

Jay's family recently shared a CCTV image which they believe could be the last sighting of him on the island.

Meanwhile one firefighter has also revealed their dismay at the lack of sightings, saying it's 'increasingly strange' that Jay hasn't been found yet.