A Greater Manchester police chief has said the force is 'overjoyed' a teenager missing for six years has been found safe and well in France after fleeing a cult.
Seventeen-year-old Alex Batty, who is from Oldham, went missing when he was 11.
Alex left the UK on September 30, 2017, for a family holiday in Spain with his mother Melanie Batty, 43, who did not have parental guardianship, and his grandfather David Batty, 64.
Alex was due to return to England on Sunday, October 8, 2017 but never did. An investigation was launched but despite extensive enquiries, and assistance from Spanish authorities, Alex remained missing.
On Wednesday 13 December 2023 however, Alex was at last located near Toulouse after being found by a member of the public and taken to a police station.
He is believed to have trekked miles across the Pyrenees after fleeing from a 'spiritual community'.
Following a formal identification which took place yesterday evening, the missing teernager is confirmed to be Alex Batty.
GMP will now continue working with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to provide travel documents for Alex’s safe return to the UK.
Assistant Chief Constable Chris Sykes said: “I think I speak on behalf of the whole of Greater Manchester Police when I say we were relieved and overjoyed to receive news from the French Authorities that they believe Alex Batty had been located safe and well, more than 6 years after his disappearance. This is a huge moment for Alex, for his family and for the community in Oldham.
“Alex went missing whilst on holiday in 2017 when he was just 11 years old. On Wednesday, a member a public reported a potential sighting in the Toulouse area of France. The young man identified as Alex and was taken to a French police station.
“The young man and Alex’s Grandmother spoke on a video call last night and whilst she is content that this is indeed Alex – we obviously have further checks to do when he returns to the country.
“Our main priority now is to see Alex returned home to his family in the UK and our investigation team has been working around the clock with partner agencies to ensure they are fully supported.
“Alex and his family remain our focus – and we still have some work to do in establishing the full circumstances surrounding his disappearance and where he has been.
“I can only imagine the emotions they have experienced throughout this ordeal. I would ask that they be granted privacy as they come to terms with what has happened and as they try to find a way to move forwards with their lives together.”
Information can also be reported by calling 101 or via GMP’s website: www.gmp.police.uk.
You can also make a report anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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