British Teenager Missing Since 2017 Found in France
Alex Batty, a British teenager who disappeared in Spain in 2017, has been found near Toulouse, France. The 17-year-old expressed his desire to return home to his grandmother. Batty went missing from Marbella during a vacation six years ago and had not been heard from until now.
Details of the Disappearance
Batty left the UK on September 30, 2017, for a family holiday with his mother, Melanie Batty (43), and his grandfather, David Batty (64). At the time of his disappearance, he was 11 years old and under the guardianship of his grandmother, as his mother did not have parental guardianship. His whereabouts remained unknown despite extensive investigations and appeals to locate him.
Investigation Taken Over by Greater Manchester Police
The Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have now taken over the investigation into his disappearance. They have been working closely with the French authorities and his family. The police have formally confirmed that the 17-year-old spotted by a member of the public in Toulouse earlier this week is indeed Alex Batty.
Efforts to Return Alex Batty to the UK
The GMP stated that their main priority is to see Alex returned home to his family in the UK. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office is also working to get him back to England. Assistant Chief Constable Chris Sykes expressed relief and joy at the news of Batty’s location, stating that the focus remains on Alex and his family.
Alex Batty’s Life in Spain and France
Batty reportedly told Fabien Accidini, the French lorry driver who found him, that his mother kidnapped him when he was 12 years old. He lived in a luxury house in Spain with around 10 people and arrived in France around 2021. He decided to leave his mother last weekend to join his family in England. He had been walking in the mountains for more than four days.
David and Melanie Batty Still Wanted by Police
David and Melanie Batty are still wanted by the police in connection with Alex’s disappearance, according to UK press reports. The police expect Alex to return home over the next few days.
