Police have admitted they are powerless to force key witnesses to attend the inquest into Jay Slater's death.
The 19-year-old, from Oswaldtwistle in Lancashire, disappeared in Tenerife last summer sparking a major manhunt before he was found dead about a month later.
The inquest was halted on Wednesday after Mr Slater's mother, Debbie Duncan, 55, made an emotional plea to judges after the two key witnesses failed to attend and were unable to be contacted.
A spokesperson for Lancashire Police today told MailOnline: 'First and foremost, our thoughts remain with Jay's family and friends at this distressing time.
'We supported HM Coroner by making extensive efforts to contact a number of witnesses ahead of the inquest, both in Lancashire and more widely. However we understand some of these individuals may be abroad and had already left the country when these efforts were made.
