Long-Lost British Boy Reunited with Family in France After Six Years
British boy, Alex Batty, who vanished at the age of 11 during a family vacation to Spain in 2017, has finally been located in France after a six-year-long search His safe recovery brings hope and relief to his loved ones
The British boy, Alex Batty, who had been missing for six years, was discovered on Wednesday morning in southwest France, according to a spokesperson for regional authorities speaking to CNN on Thursday. Batty had disappeared at the age of 11 while on a holiday in Spain in 2017 with his mother, who did not have legal parental guardianship, and his grandfather, as stated in a police appeal released in February 2019.
Batty was discovered in Haute-Garonne, near the city of Toulouse, as reported by the spokesperson. The family has verified the teenager's identity and the Toulouse public prosecutor's office stated that he will be returning to England soon, CNN's affiliate BFMTV shared.
Susan Caruana, Alex's legal guardian and grandmother, informed The Sun newspaper in the UK that she had been able to connect with Alex. "I am relieved and grateful to hear that he is doing well," Caruana stated. "At the moment, he is in the care of the authorities in France. This all comes as a complete shock."
Greater Manchester Police in the UK announced on Thursday that they have received information about a potential sighting of Alex Batty, who disappeared in 2017, in France. Authorities in Oldham are working with French officials to verify the accuracy of the report.
A spokesperson from the Greater Manchester Police stated that the investigation is complex and ongoing, with the need for additional inquiries and the implementation of necessary safeguarding measures.
