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Alex Batty, the adolescent who was located in France after being absent for a duration of six years, has publicly shared his thoughts for the first time since his return to the United Kingdom.
The adolescent returned to Oldham, Greater Manchester, on Saturday evening, after a French driver discovered him walking along a roadside and brought him to the authorities.
Police stated that he encountered his step-grandfather at Toulouse airport on Saturday, prior to departing on a flight to return to the UK and be reunited with his family.
When he came back from a shopping outing with a family member on Monday, the 17-year-old said to the media outside, “I’m happy to be back home for Christmas.”
In 2017, during a vacation to Spain, it is believed that Melanie Batty (who did not have legal custody) and David Batty took the child without permission.
The delivery driver discovered Alex Batty, who had been missing for six years in Spain, on the D16 road in Chalabre.
The 17-year-old teenager, according to French prosecutors, had a nomadic way of living with his mother and grandfather. He had traveled across Spain, Morocco, and France.
The individuals who own a farmhouse in France, where the teenager frequently visited, stated that they were familiar with Alex by the name of Zach. They also mentioned that he would often come to the property with his grandfather and mother.
According to them, his grandfather was a handyman and received room and board for himself and Alex, while his mother did not reside on the premises.
The location of Alex’s mother is currently unknown, but French prosecutors have reported that he informed them she planned to bring him to Finland. This influenced his choice to come back to the UK.
According to French prosecutor Antoine Leroy, it is possible that Alex’s mother and grandfather are currently in Finland, as planned.
The grandfather, who was constantly with his daughter and grandson, reportedly passed away around six months ago.
Alex Batty is pictured alongside his mother and grandfather.
The assistant chief constable of Greater Manchester Police, Matt Boyle, stated that the department has not yet determined all the details surrounding Alex’s disappearance and whether or not a criminal inquiry will be launched.
The authorities have not yet obtained a statement from the adolescent.
At a press conference on Saturday evening, Mr. Boyle stated that the progress of this case and the possibility of a criminal investigation will depend on how well they communicate with Alex at a pace that he feels comfortable with.
We are committed to assisting Alex and his family, working together with other nearby organizations. Our goal is to guarantee their safety, well-being, and a smooth re-entry into society.
He stated: “Although he may have aged six years since his disappearance, he is still a youth.”
Susan Caruana, his grandmother, expressed her excitement to see him upon his return.
On Friday, she stated: “I am beyond grateful and ecstatic that Alex has been located and is in good condition.”
Last night, I had a conversation with him and it was incredibly heartwarming to hear his voice and see his face once more. I am eagerly anticipating our reunion.
Source: independent.co.uk
