Alex Batty: Timeline of British boy’s disappearance as he’s found after six years
Alex Batty went missing six years ago in October 2017 after going on a family holiday to Marbella
www.independent.co.ukHere’s the latest available on Alex Batty from primary UK media outlets:
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Alex Batty, who disappeared in 2017 at age 11 while on a Spain trip with his mother and grandfather, was located in France in December 2023 and subsequently returned to the UK. The Independent reported that he was found walking near Toulouse and later stated he would return to the UK in the following days. The Sun and other outlets covered his reconciliation with family following his rescue and described his experiences during captivity and travel across Europe.[1][2]
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In January 2025, Greater Manchester Police announced the criminal investigation into his disappearance had been discontinued due to insufficient grounds for criminal prosecution, noting that Alex and his family would not participate in a prosecution. The force emphasized the aim of closure and highlighted that Alex is now living in Oldham with his grandmother and reintegrating into life in the UK.[3][4]
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Media coverage since his return has focused on his reintegration, the circumstances of the disappearance, and the family dynamics, including statements of forgiveness from his grandmother toward his mother during interviews after his return.[4][3]
If you’d like, I can fetch more up-to-date details or summarize timelines and key dates from the major outlets. I can also pull direct quotes or provide a brief timeline in a clean bullet list. Would you prefer a concise timeline or a narrative recap?
Citations:
- The Independent timeline and update on return to the UK.[2]
- GB News reporting on his 2023 case development.[1]
- Yahoo/UK News coverage of the 2025 police update and closure of the criminal investigation.[3]
- ITV Granada coverage of the 2025 update.[4]