'Abducted' Oldham boy Alex Batty back in the UK

An Oldham teenager has spent his first night back in the UK after going missing six years ago.

Alex Batty didn't come home from a holiday in Spain with his mum and grandfather in 2017.

He was picked up on a remote road in the south of France in the early hours of Wednesday.

A GMP statement said:

"Missing teenager, Alex Batty, now 17, has safely returned to the UK, after being located safe and well earlier this week in France.

"Alex, originally from Oldham in Greater Manchester, has been missing for the last six years.

"He left the UK on 30 September 2017 for a holiday in Spain with his mother (Melanie) and grandfather (David). He was due to return to the UK on Sunday 8 October 2017 but never did.

2The investigation into Alex’s disappearance has remained open since that date, with continued efforts by GMP, as well as Spanish authorities, to trace him, which sadly proved unsuccessful.

"Earlier this week, Alex was located near Toulouse after being found by a member of the public and taken to a police station. Family confirmed this is Alex on Thursday 14 December 2023.

"Since then, GMP swiftly deployed officers to France, who have now met with Alex, and with the assistance of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, have now facilitated his safe journey back to England."

Assistant Chief Constable Matt Boyle said:

“I know there has understandably been huge interest in Alex’s story, not least in Greater Manchester, but also nationally and internationally. It gives me great pleasure to say that Alex has now made his safe return back to the UK after six years.

“Earlier today, Alex met with a family member alongside GMP 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.

“Before being found by a member of the public close to Toulouse on the evening of Wednesday 13 December 2023, Alex had been missing since 2017.

“We are aware that the French authorities disclosed detailed information during yesterday’s press conference relating to what Alex may have been doing, and where he has been, over his years missing. GMP are yet to obtain any formal statements from Alex and therefore we cannot comment on this at this time. Speaking with him, 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.

“Our continued focus is supporting Alex and his family in partnership with other local agencies to ensure they are safe, their wellbeing is looked after, and his reintegration with society is as easy as possible.

“We are yet to establish the full circumstances surrounding his disappearance, but no matter what, 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.

“I would continue to ask for the community and media’s support in granting Alex and his family privacy as they look to move forward.”

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