Alex Batty, who was taken by his mother and grandfather on a family holiday to Spain in 2017 when he was 11, has been found in France after six years. The teenager was discovered by a delivery driver near Toulouse, walking along a rural road with a backpack and skateboard. His identity was confirmed by French police, and the Foreign Office is arranging travel documents for his return to the UK.
Alex was taken by his mother Melanie Batty, 43, and grandfather David Batty, who did not have parental guardianship. They were supposed to return from a three-week holiday to a Spanish island but vanished. The trio are believed to have been living in a 'spiritual community' in caravans in the Pyrenees mountains. Alex has refused to disclose his mother's current whereabouts.
Alex's legal guardian, his grandmother Susan Caruana, has spoken of her joy at his discovery. She told The Sun: 'I am so happy. I have spoken to him and he is well. It is such a shock. I don't know where his mum is. It is great news. I am just waiting for him to come home, I am thrilled.' His aunt Maureen also expressed relief, noting that Alex had no education while away and that 'it is a mess'.
Assistant Chief Constable Chris Sykes of Greater Manchester Police said: 'We were relieved and overjoyed to receive news from the French Authorities they believe Alex Batty had been located safe and well. This is a huge moment for Alex, for his family and for the community in Oldham. Our main priority now is to see Alex returned home to his family in the UK.'
