British boy Alex Batty who disappeared in Spain six years ago was found alive and safe in France
In a remarkable turn of events, 17-year-old Alex Batty, who vanished during a holiday in Spain back in October 2017, has been found alive near Toulouse in France. French prosecutors revealed on Thursday that they believe Alex fled a “spiritual community” in the foothills of the Pyrenees.
Greater Manchester Police received a sighting of Alex near Toulouse on Wednesday, and they are currently collaborating with French authorities to authenticate the reported sighting. A GMP spokesperson emphasized the complexity of the investigation, stating, “This is a complex and long-running investigation, and we need to make further enquiries as well as putting appropriate safeguarding measures in place.”
French Gendarmerie confirmed the discovery, stating, “We can confirm that the young man who has been found is Alex Batty. He is well and providing information.” The French authorities are now in contact with Greater Manchester Police, who are liaising with Alex’s family in England.
Picture below: Alex had initially travelled to Spain in 2017 with his mother Melanie Batty and grandfather David Batty for a week-long holiday near Marbella. After they failed to return home, a police inquiry was launched. Both David and Melanie Batty are wanted by the police in connection with Alex’s disappearance.
Susan Caruana, Alex’s grandmother and official guardian, had previously speculated that her daughter and ex-husband had taken him abroad to live an “alternative lifestyle,” expressing, “They didn’t want [Alex] to go to school; they don’t believe in mainstream school.”
After six years, the mystery of Alex Batty’s disappearance seems to be coming to an end. La Depeche, a regional French newspaper, reported, “The Alex Batty mystery is about to be solved.” The paper detailed that Alex, after days of hiking, was picked up by a lorry driver who alerted the police. Alex, who could only speak English, recounted his incredible journey to detectives in a serene and calm manner.
The Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) released a statement, saying, “We are supporting a British national in France and are in contact with local authorities.” The story of Alex Batty’s rediscovery is both astonishing and heartening, offering hope and closure to a saga that has spanned six years.
