An unexpected return for the grandmother of young Alex Batty. In 2017, the 11-year-old British boy disappeared on a trip to Spain. Originally from Manchester, England, he had been missing for six years... Until this Wednesday, December 13, 2023, when he was found in the French city of Toulouse, BFMTV has learned, confirming information from the public prosecutor's office.
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Now, it has been reported that Alex wants to come back to Britain, and the date of his return has been set. Here's everything you need to know
Abducted at age 11 in Spain
In September 2017, 11-year-old Alex Batty had disappeared on a trip to Malaga, Spain with his mother and grandfather. At the time, his grandmother, who was the boy's legal guardian, notified the British police. She was convinced that they had abducted him and taken him to a cult.
Six years later, the teenager was found on the side of the road in Toulouse by a delivery driver. Empty-eyed and disorientated, the man dropped the boy off at the nearest police station. Checks were then carried out to find out if the boy was indeed the one who had been abducted six years earlier in Spain.
Found six years later and to return to UK
And according to the Toulouse public prosecutor's office, his family has confirmed his identity. The prosecutor's office explained:
The identity has been confirmed by the family after a photographic match made by the gendarmes.
The 17-year-old has reportedly spent the last six years growing up in a 'spiritual community' in the foothills of the Pyrenees, cut off from mainstream living and education. It was announced on Thursday 14 December that Alex would soon be returning to the UK, however the exact date is still unclear.
According to the Mirror's article, updated at 9AM today:
It was believed he would return to the UK next week but now it has been confirmed he'll back home within hours.
However, in the same article Alex's auntMaureen Batty said he would be home 'next week'. The Telegraph seems to have confirmed this with their more recent article from 11:16AM, which quotes Assistant Chief Constable Chris Sykes. Skyes states that Alex will be arrive back in the UK in the 'next few days'.
Alex's family's reaction to the news
Maureen told the Daily Mail:
Alex hasn't had any education while out there, so we don't know what he'll be like when he comes home. [He] has had it rough. It is a mess. I've been told that Alex said that he had escaped and he didn't want to lead that lifestyle. I just want to know the truth about what's gone on.
His grandmother and legal guardian has said that she is 'thrilled' to have him coming home. 'An investigation will be launched by the British authorities. A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police 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.
This case is ongoing, and we will hopefully get to know more about this unusual story once Alex is back in the UK and police make way with their investigation.
Read more:
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⋙ Missing French toddler: This is why investigators raided Émile's grandparent's house
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⋙ Missing French teen: One month after Lina's disappearance her mother speaks out, 'I won't give up'
This article has been translated from Oh!MyMag FR.
Source used:
Mail Online: Alex Batty 'was BRAINWASHED and had it rough' while living in commune for six years after 'being kidnapped by his mother and grandfather', family say - as details emerge of the off-grid 'alternative lifestyle' he was immersed in
The Telegraph: Alex Batty expected to return to UK in next few days
The Mirror: Missing Brit Alex Batty's return date confirmed after disappearing for six years
