Alex Batty’s six-year disappearance ends with a police update on his case
Oldham: Alex Batty, now 19, had quite the journey. He went missing for six years after his mother and grandfather didn’t return from a holiday. They decided to live a nomadic lifestyle across France and Spain instead.
On December 13, 2023, Alex turned himself in at a police station in France. He had been living in a remote farmhouse in the Pyrenees. After all that time, he finally made his way back to Oldham with his grandmother, Susan.
Recently, Greater Manchester Police announced they were closing the investigation into his disappearance. They said there was no realistic chance of prosecution since Alex and his family didn’t support it. It’s a relief for Alex, who just wanted to move on.
He shared that a big argument with his mum made him realize he had to leave. He felt trapped in their lifestyle, moving constantly without friends or a proper education. He knew he had to escape for his future.
Alex’s story is wild. He was taken to live in a spiritual community after being “kidnapped” by his family. They never returned from their trip to Marbella, and that’s when the police got involved. He eventually ended up in France, where he was found by a delivery driver.
Now, Alex is back with his grandma, celebrating Christmas and looking forward to starting college. He’s adjusting to life in the UK after such a long time away. His mum and grandad’s whereabouts are still unknown, but Alex is focused on his new beginning.
