A teenage boy missing for six years has been found safe and well in France. Alex Batty disappeared while on holiday with his mother and grandfather, who did not have legal guardianship over him. The 17-year-old was found by a motorist near Toulouse in the south of France last Thursday. Alex’s legal guardian, his grandmother Susan Caruana, said it was “so good to hear his voice and see his face again”. In a statement issued through Greater Manchester Police, she said she had spoken to Alex and was looking forward to being reunited with him.
French officials said Alex had been constantly on the move with his grandfather and mother, living as part of a small community of around 10 people. They spent two years in Morocco before moving to the French Pyrenees, but at no time during his disappearance was he enrolled at a school. Alex’s mother’s current whereabouts are unknown, while his grandfather is believed to have died six months ago.
Ms Caruana asked for privacy for the family so they could “make his return as comforting as possible”. Alex is expected to return to his family in the UK on Saturday or Sunday. French officials said he expressed a desire to return to the UK and his UK life during questioning.
Speaking to the media about Alex’s safe return, Ms Caruana said the main thing was that he was safe after what would have been an “overwhelming experience for anyone, not least a child”. Alex’s reappearance will obviously raise concerns over child safe guarding measures. This hugely difficult situation is sure to lead to a renewed focus on procedures in place to protect young people
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