Missing British Teenager Found Safe After Six Years
Alex Batty, a British teenager who went missing during a family vacation in Benahavís near Marbella in 2017, has been found safe and sound. The news was confirmed on Thursday, 14 December 2023. Batty, who is now 17 years old, was discovered by a French lorry driver after he reportedly left a “spiritual community” in the town of Revel, near Toulouse in southern France.
Disappearance Linked to Mother’s Desire to Join a Sect
Batty, originally from Oldham in the UK, disappeared along with his mother and grandfather in October 2017, when they were all supposed to return to the UK. His grandmother and legal guardian had expressed her suspicion to the BBC that Batty’s mother, who had expressed a desire to join a sect and remove him from school, had taken him to Morocco.
Found by a Concerned Driver in Revel
Batty, who was 11 years old at the time of his disappearance, was spotted in Revel this Wednesday by a concerned driver. The driver took him to a police station, as reported by sources quoted by the British broadcaster.
Living in France for Two Years
According to the teenager, he had been living in France for at least two years. However, the details of his movements during the time he was missing have not been fully disclosed. Batty reportedly stated that he had been walking for nearly five days in an attempt to reach England after leaving the commune. He was picked up by the lorry driver and asked to use his phone.
Physical Examination Indicates Good Health
A physical examination conducted by French authorities suggests that Batty is in good health. There have been no reports indicating that he suffered any mistreatment during his time away.
