Alex Batty: Criminal investigation into teenager's disappearance discontinued, say police

The criminal investigation into the disappearance of teenager Alex Batty has been discontinued, police have said.

The teenager, from Oldham, went missing for six years in 2011 aged 11 after he visited Spain with his mother and grandfather.

He was discovered in the foothills of the Pyrenees in south-western France in December 2023, after last being seen in the port of Malaga six years prior.

The teenager has previously told how he and his mother and grandfather, Melanie and David Batty, who were not his legal guardians, had lived a "nomadic lifestyle", after staying in communes and caravans.

Alex returned to live with his grandmother, Susan, in Oldham shortly after he was discovered.

Now, Greater Manchester Police has confirmed a probe into child abduction has been dropped, as he and his family do not support a prosecution.

Police said they had explored all possible lines of enquiry, but concluded there is “insufficient grounds” to move forward.

Alex and his grandmother have been informed.

Detective Superintendent Matt Walker said: “The right thing to do is bring closure to this chapter of Alex and his family’s lives, particularly as this is the outcome they wished for.

“Alex is now an adult, safe, and reintegrated with life back in Greater Manchester surrounded by those who love him, which ultimately is the priority.”

Interviewed for the first time last year, Alex revealed he had become fed up of his nomadic lifestyle in mainland Europe, saying he seldom met people his own age.

He was reported missing after not returning from the pre-arranged trip in 2011.

Alex was picked up by chiropody student Fabien Accidini near the French city of Toulouse on December 13, 2023.

Upon his return to the UK, Greater Manchester Police opened an investigation into his disappearance.

Alex previously said he did not want his mother or grandfather to go to jail over his disappearance, telling ITV’s Good Morning Britain he delayed returning home because he “worried about them getting locked up”.

Supt Walker added: “Alex and his safety has been at the forefront of our minds and actions since he was found in Toulouse, France in 2023.“In our commitment to protecting children, we felt it was important that the circumstances of Alex’s disappearance be properly and thoroughly investigated.

“I led a dedicated team to do exactly that when Alex was first found, and this has continued since.

“We have consulted with various partners, such as a complex case CPS lawyer and the National Crime Agency throughout, and concluded there would be no realistic chance of criminal prosecution.”