Missing teen found in France has vid call with nan 'and she is content' it's him

15 December 2023 , 09:46

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Alex Batty went missing in 2017 but has now been found and is safe (Image: PA)

Alex Batty spoke with his beloved grandmother for the first time in six years last night, police confirmed today.

The British teenager, who vanished in Spain, chatted with his gran Susan Caruana, 68, on a video call from France, where he was discovered this week. Susan, who lives in Nelson, Lancashire, told police she was "content it was" Alex.

Assistant Chief Constable Chris Sykes, of Greater Manchester Police, told reporters today: "The young man and Alex’s grandmother spoke on a video call last night and whilst she is content that this is indeed Alex, we obviously have further checks to do when he returns to the United Kingdom."

Susan Caruana believes her grandson lived an 'alternative lifestyle' abroad (PA)

Assistant Chief Constable Chris Sykes, of Greater Manchester Police, said: "This is a huge moment for Alex, his family and for the community in Oldham.

“The young man and Alex’s grandmother spoke on a video call last night and whilst she is content that this is indeed Alex, we obviously have further checks to do when he returns to the United Kingdom.

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"Alex and his family remain our focus. We still have some work to do to establish the full circumstances surrounding his disappearance and where he has been for all those years."

Alex had gone on holiday with family members, including mum Melanie Batty (PA)

Fabien Accidini, a student doing part-time work as a delivery driver, had spotted Alex trudging along, soaked, wearing a backpack and carrying a skateboard under his arm on a rural road in south France.

He stopped and offered the lonely hiker a lift. And in the next three hours he listened as the teenager, who turned out to be the missing Brit Alex Batty, told the incredible story of how he was “kidnapped” by his mother six years ago to live an alternative lifestyle.

Fabien said: “He lived with his mother in a spiritual community, far away from normal life. Alex told me his mother was a little crazy, but she never imprisoned him. He could leave if he wanted. He had no animosity towards her, but really wanted to find his grandmother. He missed his loved ones.”

Bradley Jolly