Balloons released in Oswaldtwistle in memory of Jay Slater

Emotional crowds gathered at West End Methodist Church to pray and leave messages for the 19-year-old, who was missing for 29 days in Tenerife.

A photographer, P L Photography and Images, said a “black cloud of sadness” hung over the town after it was confirmed that Jay’s body had been found in the Masca area of Tenerife on Monday.

Flowers have been laid near the church and blue ribbons, which were tied up around the town in June, were still visible.

A blue balloon has been left at the church with the message “fly high, Jay”.

A balloon at West End Methodist Church in Oswaldtwistle (Image: P L Photography and Images)

Crowds gathered at the location, many dressed in blue, and dozens of helium balloons were released into the air.

P L Photograph and Images said: "Black clouds of sadness hang over Oswaldtwistle today.  

“Blue ribbons have flanked the surrounding streets and roads since the news of Jay's disappearance today they remain, blowing in the wind, as a mark of respect for the young teenager’s family and friends.

“Big thank you to everyone who made this possible for Jay and his family and friends at West End Methodist Church.

“It just goes to show how a community pulls together in such a heart-breaking time.”

Balloons released at West End Methodist Church in Oswaldtwistle (Image: P L Photography and Images) Tributes have been pouring in for Jay since the news was announced.

Jay’s mum, Debbie Duncan, said: “I just can’t believe it. We’re here with the Embassy staff waiting for an update and now it’s come – the worst news.

“I just can’t believe this could happen to my beautiful boy. Our hearts are broken.”

Jay’s former schools, Rhyddings High School and West End Primary School, 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.

“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, shared an emotional Instagram post.

She said: “Honestly lost for words. Always the happiest and most smiley person in the room, [Jay] was one of a kind Jay and you’ll be missed more than you know.

"I’m sure you’ll ‘have your dancing shoes polished and ready’ waiting for us all. We all love you buddy. Fly high.”

Authorities say documentation, belonging to Jay Slater, was found on the body that was recovered in Tenerife on Monday (July 15). Fingerprint tests suggest the body is Jay.

In a statement, The Canary Islands High Court of Justice said: "We have a positive identification and more data: fingerprint tests show that the body is [that] of Jay Slater and that the death was caused by trauma consistent with a fall in a rocky area."

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.