Alex Batty break silence after reuniting with household for first time in six years | EUROtoday

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Alex Batty, {the teenager} present in France after being lacking for six years, has spoken out for the primary time since he arrived again within the UK.

The teenager arrived again in Oldham, Greater Manchester, on Saturday night after he was discovered strolling by a roadside by a French driver who introduced him to the authorities.

He met his step-grandfather at Toulouse airport on Saturday earlier than boarding a flight again to the UK to reunite together with his household, Police mentioned.

As he returned from a buying journey with a relative on Monday, the now 17-year-old informed reporters exterior: “I’m glad to be home for Christmas.”

He was allegedly taken by his mom Melanie Batty, who didn’t have parental guardianship rights, and his grandfather David Batty, when the trio went on a vacation to Spain in 2017.

French prosecutors, who had spoken to the 17-year-old teenager, mentioned he had lived a nomadic life-style together with his mom and grandfather and had moved from place to position in Spain, Morocco and France.

The house owners of a farmhouse in France the place {the teenager} apparently often visited mentioned they knew Alex as Zach and he arrived on the website together with his grandfather and mom.

They added that his grandfather labored as a handyman in change for room and board for himself and Alex whereas his mom didn’t reside on the property.

The whereabouts of Alex’s mom is unknown, though French prosecutors mentioned he informed them she meant to take him to Finland, which prompted his determination to return to the UK.

On the whereabouts of Alex’s mom and grandfather, French prosecutor Antoine Leroy mentioned: “It is possible that the mother at this time has in fact gone to Finland, as she planned.

“The grandfather, who has always been with his daughter and grandson, is said to have died approximately six months ago.”

Assistant chief constable Matt Boyle, of Greater Manchester Police, mentioned the drive was but to determine the complete circumstances of Alex’s disappearance and whether or not or not a legal investigation can be opened.

The drive are but to take a press release from {the teenager}.

Mr Boyle informed a press convention on the drive’s headquarters on Saturday evening: “Speaking with him [Alex] at a pace that feels comfortable to him will ultimately determine how this case is progressed, and whether there is a criminal investigation to ensue.

“Our continued focus is supporting Alex and his family, in partnership with other local agencies – to ensure that they are safe, their wellbeing is looked after, and his re-integration with society is as easy as possible.”

He added: “He may now be six years older than when he went missing, but he is still a young person.”

His grandmother Susan Caruana beforehand mentioned she “can’t wait” to see him when he returns.

She added on Friday: “I cannot begin to express my relief and happiness that Alex has been found safe and well.

“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.”