Missing British Boy Found in France 6 Years After Disappearance

In a surprising turn of events, 17-year-old Alex Batty, who went missing in Spain six years ago at the age of 11, has been located in Revel, France. The discovery of the British boy missing unfolded when a concerned motorist noticed Batty looking lost and haggard along the side of a road in Revel, not far from Toulouse. Batty reportedly messaged his grandmother, expressing his desire to come home.

Nomadic Lifestyle: Batty’s Unconventional Upbringing

Batty’s disappearance at the age of 11 occurred while on vacation with his mother and grandfather in Spain. Neither had parental guardianship of the teenager, and both remain wanted in connection to his disappearance. The French prosecutor, Antoine Leroy, revealed in a news conference in Toulouse that Batty’s mother, Melanie Batty, 38, is believed to have left the country for Finland. Leroy also mentioned that David Batty, Alex’s grandfather, 59, is believed to have passed away about six months ago.

The Batty trio lived a nomadic lifestyle, frequently moving from place to place and traveling with solar panels. Their journey took them from Morocco to France, with Batty’s decision to leave reportedly stemming from a desire not to follow his mother to Finland. Instead, he walked for four days in southwest France before being picked up by the concerned motorist.

Lost and Found: Batty’s Encounter with a Concerned Motorist

The motorist who picked up Batty, identified as delivery driver Fabian Accidini, recounted the unusual encounter. Accidini, seeing Batty alone on the road between two villages at 3 a.m. in the rain, was struck by the peculiar situation. Batty, carrying a rucksack, flashlight, and skateboard, informed Accidini that he had been walking for four days. Accidini, realizing the significance of the situation, searched Batty’s name online and discovered that he was the British boy missing.

According to reports from the BBC and the Associated Press, Batty revealed to the driver that he had been living in an alternative community with his mother but left to pursue his own path. Other family members have confirmed Batty’s identity, and Greater Manchester Police officially identified the teen on Thursday evening.

Ongoing Investigation

The details surrounding Batty’s whereabouts and the circumstances leading to his reappearance remain unclear. Leroy stated that Batty has not disclosed where his mother went or where he had been living before being found.

From the other side Assistant Chief Constable Chris Sykes have made it clear that their “main priority now is to see Alex returned home to his family in the U.K.” He emphasized the ongoing efforts of the investigation team working with partner agencies to provide full support.

The Hardship and the Desire to Return Home

Batty’s heartfelt message to his grandmother, “Hello Grandma, it’s me Alex. I’m in France Toulouse. I really hope that you receive this message. I love you, I want to come home,” reflects the emotional turmoil he may have experienced during his years away.

Batty’s grandmother and legal guardian, Susan  Caruana, is reportedly too frail to travel to France but has communicated with Batty through a video call. Caruana had previously expressed her belief that Batty’s mother and grandfather had taken him to live a nomadic lifestyle, suggesting they brought him to a spiritual community in Morocco. “They didn’t want [Alex] to go to school, they don’t believe in mainstream school,” she claimed.

As of now, Batty remains in France at a young person’s center in Toulouse. Plans for his return to the UK involve coordination between British police officers, consular officials, and counseling staff. A spokesperson from the Toulouse public prosecution office confirmed that the teen would “soon be returning to England.” However, the Greater Manchester Police emphasized that there are “further checks to do” upon Batty’s return to the UK.

Assistant Chief Constable Sykes acknowledged the emotional toll on Batty and his family, requesting privacy as they come to terms with the ordeal and strive to move forward with their lives together. The investigation into Batty’s disappearance continues, with authorities working to establish the full circumstances surrounding his six-year absence.

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