Alex Batty, who vanished at age 11 during a family trip to Spain, is speaking publicly for the first time in a new BBC documentary titled Kidnapped By My Mum. Now 20, Alex recounts six years of a nomadic existence, moving between communes and rural areas across Spain, Morocco, and southwestern France, while being kept out of school.
A Life on the Move
In the documentary, Alex describes gradually growing unhappy with the lifestyle. He recalls a poignant moment sitting at a cafe near a school, hearing the bell ring as children emerged. "I cried my eyes out because, you know, I'd had enough," he said.
The Disappearance
Alex left the UK in October 2017 with his mother, Melanie Batty, and grandfather, David Batty, for what was supposed to be a holiday to Marbella. His grandmother, Susan Caruana, who was his legal guardian in Greater Manchester, reported him missing when they did not return.
Escape and Reunion
In December 2023, Alex walked away from a remote area in the French Pyrenees on his own. A delivery driver found him walking alone near Toulouse in the early hours and took him to the police. Alex identified himself and was subsequently reunited with his grandmother in the UK.
Assistant Chief Constable Chris Sykes of Greater Manchester Police said at the time: "I think I speak on behalf of the whole of Greater Manchester Police when I say we were relieved and overjoyed to receive news from the French Authorities that they believe Alex Batty had been located safe and well."
Investigation Closed
Greater Manchester Police launched an investigation into the disappearance after Alex returned. In January 2025, they confirmed the criminal investigation had been closed after concluding there was no realistic chance of prosecution and that the family did not support criminal charges. Melanie Batty's current whereabouts are not publicly known, and she declined to respond to allegations made in the documentary.
The documentary sheds light on a case that captivated the UK, offering Alex's perspective on his extraordinary ordeal and the emotional journey to reclaim his life.
