British police fly to France in manhunt for Alex Batty's parents at commune

15 December 2023 , 12:14

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Melanie Batty, Alex's mum, is part of Greater Manchester Police's investigation (Image: PA)

British police have flown to France in the hunt for found teen Alex Batty's mother and grandfather, according to reports.

Alex is expected to come back to the UK for an emotional reunion with his grandmother Susan Caruana, 68, in the next few days. He spoke to her via video call for the first time in six years last night, Greater Manchester Police confirmed in a press briefing today.

And it is understood officers from the force are now hunting Alex's mother Melanie and grandfather David in the Ariege region of France. Alex, currently in the care of social services in Toulouse, has been living in a "spiritual commune" in the rural region, it is believed.

Alex Batty was just 11 when he did not return from a holiday to Spain with Melanie and David (GMP)

Alex had reportedly told the man who found him, walking beside a road in the French Pyrenees, he was “kidnapped” by his mother six years ago to live an alternative lifestyle. Ms Carcuana, of Nelson, Lancashire, said she doesn't yet know any details about where her grandson has been living - and with whom exactly.

Assistant Chief Constable Chris Sykes, of Greater Manchester Police, said today: "Obviously his mother is part of the investigation and conversation. I can only imagine the emotions they have experienced throughout this ordeal. I would ask that they be granted privacy as they come to terms with what has happened and as they try to find a way to move forwards with their lives together."

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Alex flew into Malaga airport in Spain on a pre-agreed trip with Melanie - who does not have legal parental guardianship - and David for a week-long stay in the Benahavis area, near Marbella on September 30, 2017. However, Alex, his mother and grandfather did not come back home as expected on October 8, 2017, sparking a massive police enquiry into the boy's apparent abduction.

Alex went away with family members, including David, his grandfather (PA)

Daily Mail understands Alex likely lived off-grid since, with limited access to mainstream education and healthcare facilities. Some of Alex's friends on Facebook have shared pictures of them practicing rituals, meditation and yoga, referring to "Gaia", the Greek earth goddess.

And Alex's aunt, Maureen Batty, 73, said she feels the child "has been brainwashed by the religion David was in". She added: "Alex hasn't had any education while out there, so we don't know what he'll be like when he comes home. [He] has had it rough. It is a mess. I've been told that Alex said that he had escaped and he didn't want to lead that lifestyle."

Susan Caruana believes Alex has lived an 'alternative lifestyle' abroad (PA)

In 2018, Ms Caruana revealed that Melanie was a rebellious teenager, partying hard, drinking, and Susan and her husband, David, struggled to cope with her. She went to college and got a law degree but couldn't hold down a job. In 2006, she gave birth to Alex.

Susan said in 2018: "I got this message on Facebook and it was a YouTube video of the three of them. They all spoke on it and Melanie said the reasons why they had done what they had done.

"Alex said it was a million times better being with his mum and granddad. Obviously it hurt a bit but then my other concerns kicked in. The reason I believe they have done this is because basically my lifestyle, my belief systems, are not what they agree with - just simply living day to day, how normal people do."

Greater Manchester Police said in a statement released today that officers in Oldham are in contact with French authorities to establish the authenticity of reports that Alex was found.

A spokesperson said: "This is a complex and long-running investigation, and we need to make further enquiries as well as putting appropriate safeguarding measures in place."

Bradley Jolly