News
Police statement in full as missing Oldham boy Alex Batty found after six years
What a relief for his family.
Daisy Jackson -
15th December 2023 
Greater Manchester Police have issued a statement about Alex Batty, as the missing boy from Oldham is found safe and well in France.
Alex, who is from Oldham, went missing when he was 11 years old, but was found by a member of the public near Toulouse this week – six years after disappearing.
The teenager had left the UK on 30 September 2017 for a family holiday to Spain. He was with his mother Melanie Batty (43), who did not have parental guardianship, and his grandfather David Batty (64).
Alex Batty didn’t come home from his trip as expected and despite extensive enquiries, remained missing until this week.
GMP has been working closely with the French authorities and with Alex’s family since he was spotted, and have now formally confirmed the 17-year-old to be Alex.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office is now working on bringing him safely home to the UK.
Assistant Chief Constable Chris Sykes said in a statement today: “I think I speak on behalf of the whole of Greater Manchester Police when I say we were relieved and overjoyed to receive news from the French Authorities that they believe Alex Batty had been located safe and well, more than 6 years after his disappearance. This is a huge moment for Alex, for his family and for the community in Oldham.
“Alex went missing whilst on holiday in 2017 when he was just 11 years old. On Wednesday, a member a public reported a potential sighting in the Toulouse area of France. The young man identified as Alex and was taken to a French police station.
“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 country.
“Our main priority now is to see Alex returned home to his family in the UK and our investigation team has been working around the clock with partner agencies to ensure they are fully supported.
“Alex and his family remain our focus – and we still have some work to do in establishing the full circumstances surrounding his disappearance and where he has been.
“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.”
Information can also be reported by calling 101 or via GMP’s website: www.gmp.police.uk.
You can also make a report anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
