In a story that defies the odds, a British teenager who went missing in Spain at the age of 11 has been found alive and well in France six years later. Alex Batty, now 17, was discovered by a kind-hearted delivery driver who spotted him walking alone in the Pyrenees mountains.
This remarkable discovery brings a glimmer of hope to a case that has haunted his family and baffled authorities for years. In 2017, while on vacation with his mother and grandfather, Alex vanished without a trace. The pair, who were not his legal guardians, remain missing and are still being sought in connection with his disappearance.
The delivery driver, Fabien Accidini, noticed Alex walking along the roadside early Wednesday morning. Initially unsure, he drove him to a nearby police station after hearing the boy’s story. Alex had reportedly been walking for four days, claiming to have set off from somewhere in the mountains but offering no specifics.
Driven by his concern and a quick internet search, Accidini helped Alex reach his grandmother in the UK through the driver’s Facebook account. In a message filled with longing and hope, Alex wrote, “Hello Grandma, it’s me Alex. I’m in France Toulouse. I really hope that you receive this message. I love you, I want to come home.”
Susan Caruana, Alex’s grandmother and legal guardian, received the news with a mixture of shock and immense relief. “I am so happy,” she declared, confirming that she had spoken to Alex and he was safe. “It is such a shock,” she added, echoing the emotions of many following this unexpected turn of events.
Six years ago, Caruana expressed her belief that Alex’s disappearance could be linked to his mother and grandfather’s desire to live in a spiritual community, possibly in Morocco. She also raised concerns about their intention to shield Alex from formal education.
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While the reasons behind Alex’s disappearance and his journey remain shrouded in mystery, the Greater Manchester Police are working with French authorities to verify his identity and ensure his safety. They have acknowledged the complexity of the case and the need for further investigation before reuniting Alex with his legal guardian.
This astonishing development marks a new chapter in Alex’s life and offers a flicker of hope for answers in a long-standing case. As authorities continue their investigation, one thing is certain: the joy of Alex’s return is a powerful testament to the unwavering love and hope that never truly fade.
