Alex Batty returns home to Greater Manchester after being found in France- six years after disappearance

Greater Manchester teenager Alex Batty has returned home after he was found in France last week. The now 17 year old went missing back in 2017 and had not been seen since. 

Alex left the UK for a holiday with his mother and grandfather on September 30 2017. He was due to return home on October 8 2027, but he never did. 

Alex, who is from Oldham, was found by a member of the public near Toulouse, France earlier this week. His family confirmed the boy found was Alex on December 14.  Greater Manchester Police have sent officers to France to meet Alex. Through government support, they have been able to bring him home.  

GMP 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 well-being 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.”