'It's unbelievable': Alex Batty's gran says hearing his voice for first time in six years was 'like a dream'

Alex Batty's grandmother has described the 'dream' moment she heard her grandson's voice for the first time in six years.

Susan Caruana spoke to the teenager over video call last night after he was found in France - six years after he disappeared with his mum Melanie and grandfather David in 2017. She confirmed to Greater Manchester Police that the boy was her grandson and said it was 'unbelievable' speaking to him.

Speaking to the Mirror from her home in Oldham today, the 68-year-old said: "It was absolutely like a dream when I heard his voice. It was unbelievable."

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Alex, who is now 17, had gone on a family holiday to Spain in September 2017 and is believed to have been abducted by his mum to live an 'alternative' lifestyle abroad. The teenager was found near the French city of Toulouse on Wednesday and taken to a police station in the village of Revel by chiropody student Fabien Accidini.

Alex's great aunt Raisa Devine, 72, told the Mirror today: "He was very settled with his grandma and she was devastated when he disappeared. I’m very pleased he has turned up."

Police said Alex is now being 'well cared for' by French authorities. GMP's Assistant Chief Constable Chris Sykes said it is hoped that he can come home to England over 'the next few days' with arrangements being made to sort travel documents for him with the Foreign Office.

Speaking at a press conference this morning, ACC Sykes said: "I think I speak on behalf of the whole of Greater Manchester Police when I say we were relieved and