Messages of support have been pouring in after a body, believed to be missing Oswaldtwistle man Jay Slater,  was found in Tenerife on Monday (July 15).

A church is preparing to open its doors, with Jay's friends and former teachers also issuing statements.

On Monday, police on the Spanish island said that a “lifeless body” had been found and that “all indications suggest” it could be 19-year-old Jay.

The statement also suggested that the person found, believed to be the Oswaldtwistle teen, could have suffered an accident after a fall.

An DNA test is set to be carried out this morning (July 16) to confirm the identity the body.

Since the news was announced, people have been leaving messages of support.

West End Methodist Church in Oswaldtwistle is set to open this evening, from 7pm to 8pm, for people to gather, light a candle, say prayers and write messages of support.

Reverend Matt Smith said: “We are going to open the church from 7pm to 8pm for people to come and be together.

“It won’t be a service, that will be on Sunday as normal at 10.30am, but it’s a place for people to come together, to support each other and say prayers and write messages of support for the family and be together.”

Jay’s former schools, Rhyddings High School and West End Primary School, have also issued a joint statement.

Headteachers, Andrew Williams and James McBride, said: "As a devoted mother, we know Debbie Duncan would have never given up looking for Jay, and she and the family are firmly in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.

“[If the body is found to be Jay], we hope that this tragic discovery will not only dispel any rumours, but allow the family to return with their son and afford them the dignity of their private grief and mourning.”

Jay's friend, Lucy Law, has shared an emotional Instagram post.

Lucy was on holiday in Tenerife with Jay when he went missing. She also helped with the search operation after he went missing on June 17.

Lucy said: "Honestly lost for words. Always the happiest and most smiley person in the room... we all love you, buddy."

Apprentice bricklayer Jay was on holiday with his friends when he went missing. He was last seen on June 17.

Thousands of pounds were raised to support the search for the teenager, with his family travelling to Tenerife to support efforts to try and find him.

The former West End Primary School pupil went missing after travelling to a property following a night out and attempting to walk home in the early hours.