In a heartwarming turn of events, Alex Batty, a British teenager who had been missing for the past six years, was located in the mountains of France and has expressed a heartfelt desire to reunite with his family. The remarkable discovery came after he used a delivery driver’s phone to reach out to his grandmother in the UK, conveying his love and longing to return home.
Seventeen-year-old Alex, who hails from Oldham, Greater Manchester, went missing at the age of 11 while on holiday with his mother and grandfather in Spain. The sudden disappearance left his family in anguish, with years passing without any trace of his whereabouts.
However, a chance encounter with a French delivery driver, Fabien Accidini, proved pivotal in Alex’s journey back to his roots. Accidini spotted the teenager walking along a road in the Pyrenees foothills and offered assistance. Alex, who had been wandering for four days, revealed to Accidini that he had set off from a mountainous location, although specifics remained undisclosed.
Moved by the situation, Accidini searched the internet for any information regarding Alex and discovered that the young boy had been reported missing. Using the delivery driver’s Facebook account, Alex reached out to his grandmother in the UK, expressing his location in Toulouse, France, and his fervent desire to return home, conveying, “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.”
The prosecutors’ office in Toulouse has informed the BBC that Alex is currently under the care of a young person’s center in the city and could potentially return to the UK within hours.
Responding to this emotional development, a spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police highlighted the complexity of the case, indicating ongoing investigations and the necessity to implement appropriate safeguarding measures before Alex’s potential return.
The unexpected reunion request has sparked hope and emotional resonance for Alex’s family, who have awaited his return for years. The incredible circumstances surrounding his discovery after such a prolonged absence underscore the need for continued vigilance and support in cases of missing persons, while also highlighting the power of human compassion in aiding such reunions.
Sources By Agencies
