Mum of missing X Factor star says police need to 'pull out the stops' like they did in Jay Slater search

The mother of Levi Davis - the former Bath rugby player who went missing two years ago - says she feels "abandoned" by Spanish police and believes he was a "victim of crime".

The ex-winger, who was 24 when he went missing, was last seen at The Old Irish Pub in Barcelona on 29 October 2022. Local detectives later closed the case, suggesting he probably drowned at sea.

But now fresh allegations have emerged from journalists at Byline Times about a blackmail plot against him.

His mother, Julie Davis, told the outlet: "We have felt abandoned by the police and I believe Levi was a victim of crime in the UK and in Spain. So many things do not add up. I'm determined to fight for the truth.

"They pulled out the stops to find Jay Slater and search and pursue justice for Madeleine McCann. They need to do the same now for Levi."

She added: "Until his body is found, I will not give up hope."

Safeguarding minister Jess Phillips echoed calls for a "joined up" police review of new evidence after the 14-month Byline Times investigation also alleged there were "serious failings" in the Spanish probe into Mr Davis' disappearance.

After leaving Bath in 2020, Mr Davis opened up about his battle with depression and his sexuality - becoming the first professional rugby player to come out as bisexual while still playing.

He also made some TV appearances - most notably on Celebrity X Factor in 2019 alongside fellow rugby stars Ben Foden and Thom Evans in a group known as Try Star.

Davis had also signed a record deal and in 2022 went to stay with a friend in Ibiza to work on some songs, but then told his foster mother Suzanne Balfour he had to "get out".

It was after travelling to Barcelona that he went missing on 29 October. There are few confirmed details about the circumstances.

Family members previously told Sky News his phone had last been detected at the far end of Barcelona's commercial port.

Cruise ship staff also describe trying to save a man in the water on the night Davis went missing.

Read more from Sky News:
Police hunt attacker after two shot
'Remarkable' therapy shrinks brain tumour in half
Thousands of Oasis tickets to be cancelled

Sky News has approached Catalonia's police force, Mossos d'Esquadra, for comment.

According to the Byline Times, the force declined to comment and asked for questions to be put to the judge who oversaw the probe.

A spokesperson for the court also declined to comment, saying the case is currently closed, the news outlet reported.