Greater Manchester boy who went missing in Spain six years ago 'found in France'

A greater Manchester boy who went missing six years ago has been found in France after running away from a 'spiritual community', French authorities have said.

Alex Batty was reported missing on Sunday, October 8, 2017, after going on holiday with family members in Spain. Reports say he has been found alive and well in France after fleeing from a 'spiritual community'.

The young boy, then 11-years-old, from Oldham, went on holiday with his mother – who does not have legal parental guardianship – and his grandad. 　

On Saturday, September 30, 2017, they flew into Malaga Airport and stayed in the Benahavis area near Marbella.　

Alex was due to return to England on Sunday, October 8, 2017, but never did. Extensive enquiries led police to believing that the family left Benahavis and may have tried to head to Melilla in Morocco from the Port of Malaga. Officers investigating the case believe Alex may still be abroad.　

Despite following extensive lines of enquiry, issuing various international public appeals and working with the Spanish authorities, Alex’s legal guardian – his grandmother Susan - has not seen him since he left the UK.　

His mother - 38-year-old Melanie Batty - and his grandad – 59-year-old David Batty – were wanted in connection with his abduction.　

Now French prosecutors say Alex, now aged 17, was found near Toulouse in the south of the country after escaping from a 'spiritual community' located in the foothills of the Pyrenees.

Investigators believe the teenager spent days trekking across rural France before being picked up by a lorry driver near Toulouse.

The trucker said the boy could only speak English and called police because he believed Alex's behaviour was 'abnormal'.

A French police spokesman said: "We can confirm that the young man who has been found is Alex Batty. He is well and providing information.

Alex's relatives said Alex's mother did not believe in him going to mainstream schools.

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police  (GMP) said they had been contacted regarding a possible sighting in France of Alex . 

Officers in Oldham are in contact with French authorities to establish the authenticity of the report. 

A spokesman for GMP said: “This is a complex and long-running investigation, and we need to make further enquiries as well as putting appropriate safeguarding measures in place.”