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19th Dec 2023

Boy who went missing for six years speaks out for the first time

Kat O'Connor

Alex Batty

Alex Batty has returned to England for the first time since 2017

Alex Batty is home in England after he went missing for six years in October 2017.

The young boy vanished after a family holiday to Spain six years ago but has been reunited with his family.

Alex was reportedly living in a spiritual community in France with his mother and grandfather.

He managed to escape the community and alerted the French authorities about his case.

Alex Batty was reunited with his family in England over the weekend.

He had spent the last six years with his mother, who does not have legal parental guardianship.

He was also with his grandfather, but authorities have not yet discussed what happened with Alex.

The young boy is reportedly thrilled to be back home with his grandmother.

He told reporters in England that he is “glad to be home for Christmas”.

Police do plan on speaking to Alex about what happened, but they say it will take time.

Assistant Chief Constable Matt Boyle told the press on Sunday:

“Earlier, Alex met with a family member alongside Greater Manchester Police officers at Toulouse airport, before heading back to the UK.

“This moment is 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.”

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