Major twist in investigation over teenager Alex Batty who vanished for six years

Alex Batty was nearly an adult by the time he re-appeared after six years (Picture: PA/Shutterstock)

A criminal investigation into the disappearance of Alex Batty has been discontinued.

Now 18, Alex was just 11 when he vanished after going on what was supposed to be a two-week holiday to Spain with his mum and grandad in 2017.

It would be six years before his grandmother, and legal guardian, Susan Caruana, would see Alex again.

That was in 2023 when he popped up in near Toulouse, France, having crossed the Pyrenees mountains on foot as he fled the ‘alternative’ nomadic lifestyle’ his ‘anti-vax, anti-government’ mother had raised him in.

Police in Oldham, where he is from, had launched an investigation into his disappearance.

But that has not been dropped because Alex and his family do not support a prosecution.

Alex’s mum Melanie, and grandad David, moved him between Spain, Morocco and France as part of a ‘spiritual community’ (Picture: Alex Batty)

Alex was picked up by chiropody student Fabien Accidini near the French city of Toulouse in the early hours of December 13, 2023 (Picture: Metro Graphics)

Detective Superintendent Matt Walker said: ‘Alex and his safety has been at the forefront of our minds and actions since he was found in Toulouse, France in 2023.

‘In our commitment to protecting children, we felt it was important that the circumstances of Alex’s disappearance be properly and thoroughly investigated.

‘I led a dedicated team to do exactly that when Alex was first found, and this has continued since.

‘We have consulted with various partners, such as a complex case CPS lawyer and the National Crime Agency throughout, and concluded there would be no realistic chance of criminal prosecution.

Alex Batty says his mother ‘did what she did out of love’

Alex didn’t go to school or only had one friend during the six years (Picture: PA)

‘Given this, the right thing to do is bring closure to this chapter of Alex and his family’s lives, particularly as this is the outcome they wished for.

‘Alex is now an adult, safe, and reintegrated with life back in Greater Manchester surrounded by those who love him, which ultimately is the priority.’

Speaking before his 18th birthday last year, Alex said: ‘Mum did what she did out of love. It is what she thought was best and that is all you can really do, isn’t it?

‘She and my grandad did it with the best intentions. I know they’re not going to get in contact.

‘They’re definitely not going to risk it. If they get in contact, it’ll be when they’re 100% sure they’re all right. They won’t rush it for my birthday.’

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