Alex was just 11 when he went missing (Picture: PA)
Alex Batty will soon be waking up after his first night’s sleep in the UK for more than six years.
The teenager didn’t return from a holiday in Spain with his mum and grandad in 2017, then aged 11, sparking a major search operation.
But Alex, now 17, was found in Revel, near Toulouse in France, on Thursday after having lived a ‘spiritual’ lifestyle abroad for the last six years.
He was picked up by chiropody student Fabien Accidini near the French city of Toulouse in the early hours of Wednesday after walking across the Pyrenees ‘for four days and four nights’.
Alex met his step-grandfather at Tolouse Airport on Saturday before boarding a flight back to the UK and returning to Greater Manchester, which police say is ‘where he wants to be’.
He grew up in Oldham and is looking forward to spending time with his family and friends.
He’s now been found six years on in France (Picture: PA)
Greater Manchester Police has not yet taken a statement from Alex, and haven’t yet announced if a criminal investigation into his disappearance will be opened.
Assistant Chief Constable Matt Boyle told a press conference at the force’s headquarters on Saturday night: ‘It gives me great pleasure to say Alex has now made his safe return back to the UK after six years.
‘Earlier today, Alex met with a family member alongside Greater Manchester Police officers at Toulouse airport before heading back to the UK.
‘This moment was undoubtedly huge for him and his loved ones, and we are glad that they have been able to see each other again after all this time.
‘Speaking with him [Alex] at a pace that feels comfortable to him will ultimately determine how this case is progressed, and whether there is a criminal investigation to ensue.
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‘Our continued focus is supporting Alex and his family, in partnership with other local agencies – to ensure that they are safe, their wellbeing is looked after, and his re-integration with society is as easy as possible.
‘We are yet to fully establish the circumstances surrounding his disappearance, but no matter what, we understand that this may be an overwhelming process.
‘He may now be six years older than when he went missing, but he is still a young person.’
His grandmother Susan Caruana previously said she ‘can’t wait’ to see him when he returns.
She added on Friday: ‘I cannot begin to express my relief and happiness that Alex has been found safe and well.
‘I spoke with him last night and it was so good to hear his voice and see his face again. I can’t wait to see him when we’re reunited.
‘The main thing is that he’s safe, after what would be an overwhelming experience for anyone, not least a child.
‘I would ask that our family are given privacy as we welcome Alex back, so we can make this process as comforting as possible.’
Assistant Chief Constable Matt Boyle confirmed on Saturday that Alex is back in Manchester (Picture: PA)
Susan Caruana said she can’t wait to see her grandson (Picture: PA)
French prosecutors said Alex’s mother, Melanie Batty – who does not have legal parental guardianship – may be in Finland, while his grandfather David Batty has died.
Antoine Leroy told reporters Alex had said he knew his way of life with his mother ‘had to stop’ after she announced an intention to move to Finland.
On the whereabouts of Alex’s mother and grandfather, Mr Leroy said: ‘It is possible that the mother at this time has in fact gone to Finland, as she planned.
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‘The grandfather, who has always been with his daughter and grandson, is said to have died approximately six months ago.’
Alex was described as ‘tired’ but ‘in good health’ after being checked over by French officials and seemed ‘intelligent’ even though he had not attended school for six years.
The prosecutor also said the boy did not appear to have been subjected to any physical violence.
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Greater Manchester Police has not yet taken a statement from Alex, and haven’t yet announced if a criminal investigation into his disappearance will be opened.