'He's coming home': Grandmother's joy as missing Alex Batty is found in France

A woman from Oldham whose 11-year-old grandson went missing six years ago has spoken to him for the first time since his disappearance. Alex Batty, now aged 17, has been found in France after disappearing with his mother and grandad in 2017.

Police have confirmed today (December 14) that they have been contacted by the French authorities about a 'possible sighting' of the teenager near Toulouse in France. A young man matching his description was said to have been picked up by a lorry driver in Revel.

Alex's mother Melanie and his grandfather David have not been located and are still wanted in connection with the disappearance. However, Alex's grandmother Susan Caruana - who is his legal guardian - has now spoken to him for the first time in six years.

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Speaking to the M.E.N. at her home in Fitton Hill, Susan's husband Emanuel said that the young man found in France is confirmed to be Alex and his grandmother has spoken to him 'briefly' over the phone. He said: "She's happy he's well and safe and he's coming home."

Mr Caruana said that the family have not been told when Alex will return to the UK. GMP are yet to confirmed the reports are true.

Earlier today (December 14), the force said it had been contacted regarding a possible sighting of Alex in France. Officers in Oldham are in contact with French police to establish the authenticity of the report, but his grandmother was informed last night (December 14).

Alex was reported missing on October 8, 2017 after going on holiday with his family to Spain. Aged 11 at the time, he went on the pre-agreed trip