Major twist in investigation over teenager Alex Batty who vanished for six years

A transgression probe into the disappearance of Alex Batty has been discontinued.

Now 18, Alex was conscionable 11 erstwhile helium vanished aft going connected what was expected to beryllium a two-week vacation to Spain with his mum and grandad successful 2017.

It would beryllium six years earlier his grandmother, and ineligible guardian, Susan Caruana, would spot Alex again.

That was successful 2023 erstwhile helium popped up successful adjacent Toulouse, France, having crossed the Pyrenees mountains connected ft arsenic helium fled the ‘alternative’ nomadic lifestyle’ his parent had raised him in.

Police successful Oldham, helium is from, had launched an probe into his disappearance.

But that has not been dropped due to the fact that Alex and his household bash not enactment a prosecution.

Detective Superintendent Matt Walker said: ‘Alex and his information has been astatine the forefront of our minds and actions since helium was recovered successful Toulouse, France successful 2023. In our committedness to protecting children, we felt it was important that the circumstances of Alex’s disappearance beryllium decently and thoroughly investigated.

‘I led a dedicated squad to bash precisely that erstwhile Alex was archetypal found, and this has continued since.

‘We person consulted with assorted partners, specified arsenic a analyzable lawsuit CPS lawyer and the National Crime Agency throughout, and concluded determination would beryllium nary realistic accidental of transgression prosecution.

‘Given this, the close happening to bash is bring closure to this section of Alex and his family’s lives, peculiarly arsenic this is the result they wished for.

‘Alex is present an adult, safe, and reintegrated with beingness backmost successful Greater Manchester surrounded by those who emotion him, which yet is the priority.’

Speaking earlier his 18th day past year, Alex said: ‘Mum did what she did retired of love. It is what she thought was champion and that is each you tin truly do, isn’t it?

‘She and my grandad did it with the champion intentions. I cognize they’re not going to get successful contact.

‘They’re decidedly not going to hazard it. If they get successful contact, it’ll beryllium erstwhile they’re 100% definite they’re each right. They won’t unreserved it for my birthday.’

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