Alex Batty: Grandma's 'relief and happiness' at missing boy's return

Alex's grandmother Susan Caruana, pictured in 2019, had appealed for his safe return

The grandmother of a boy who was found in France after being missing for six years has said she is relieved and happy he has been found safe and well.

Alex Batty, from Oldham, disappeared after going on holiday with his mother and grandfather who did not have parental guardianship.

He was found on Thursday by a motorist near Toulouse in the south of France.

Susan Caruana, who is Alex's legal guardian, said it was "so good to hear his voice and see his face again".

A younger Alex Batty, pictured before he went missing

In a statement issued through Greater Manchester Police she said she had spoken to Alex.

"I cannot begin to express my relief and happiness that Alex has been found safe and well," she said.

"I spoke with him last night and it was so good to hear his voice and see his face again.

"I can't wait to see him when we're reunited."

'Overwhelming experience'

The now 17-year-old told French officials he was constantly on the move with his grandfather and mother since they disappeared in 2017, and wanted to get his UK life back.

The officials said Alex should be able to return to his family in the UK on Saturday or Sunday.

Alex Batty, centre, disappeared with his mother, Melanie Batty, and grandfather, David Batty

Ms Caruana said: "The main thing is that he's safe, after what would be an overwhelming experience for anyone, not least a child."

She asked for privacy for the family, so that they could "make his return as comforting as possible".

The current whereabouts of Alex's mother are unknown, while his grandfather is believed to have died six months ago.

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The teenager told French officials how the three of them were always moving around as part of a small community of about 10 people.

They lived in Morocco for two years and then in the French Pyrenees.

At no time during his disappearance was he enrolled at a school, the authorities said.