The grandmother of Alex Batty, a teenager who went missing six years ago, has spoken of her 'relief and happiness' after he was found safe in France. The 17-year-old, from Oldham, disappeared in 2017 while on holiday with his mother and grandfather, who did not have legal guardianship.
Alex was discovered by a motorist near Toulouse in southern France on Thursday. Susan Caruana, his legal guardian, said she had spoken to him and described the moment as 'so good to hear his voice and see his face again'. She added that she could not 'begin to express my relief and happiness that Alex has been found safe and well'.
The teenager told French officials that he had been constantly on the move with his mother and grandfather as part of a small community of around 10 people. They lived in Morocco for two years and then in the French Pyrenees. He was never enrolled in school during his disappearance.
Alex expressed a desire to return to his life in the UK. Officials indicated he could be reunited with his family on Saturday or Sunday. Ms Caruana asked for privacy to make his return 'as comforting as possible'.
The current whereabouts of Alex's mother remain unknown, while his grandfather is believed to have died six months ago. Greater Manchester Police continue to investigate the circumstances of the disappearance.
