Alex Batty: Police issue update on criminal probe into disappearance
Mr Batty went missing at the age of 11 after his mother took him to Spain with his grandfather
www.independent.co.ukI can share what’s publicly known up to now, but I don’t have live access to the latest updates in this turn. Here’s a concise outline of the situation and where things stood recently.
What happened
- Alex Batty, then-age 11, went missing in October 2017 during a family trip to Spain with his mother and grandfather. He was later found in France after six years abroad, ending a long international search.[1][2][3]
- After his discovery, UK police and French authorities coordinated to support his welfare and determine the full circumstances of his disappearance and travel abroad.[2][1]
Recent developments (as of early 2025)
- A criminal investigation in the UK into the disappearance and alleged abduction was formally discontinued because Alex and his family would not support a prosecution; authorities said there was no realistic chance of criminal prosecution at that point.[5][6][8]
- Media outlets reported that Alex returned to the UK and was in contact with authorities, with the focus shifting to ensuring his welfare and understanding the events that occurred while he was abroad.[2][5]
- Coverage indicated the focus for police remained on verifying facts about his disappearance, and to date, further prosecutions or charges had not materialized due to lack of cooperation for a prosecution, rather than new evidence of ongoing danger.[8][5]
Current status and where to check for the latest updates
- If you’re seeking the latest, most reliable updates, check statements from Greater Manchester Police or local UK outlets that have provided ongoing coverage, since they are the primary investigators and often publish timely case milestones.
- Major outlets like The Independent, Sky News, ITV Granada, and the BBC-affiliated coverage have reported on milestones such as discovery in France and the subsequent criminal investigation status; their articles often include the most current official statements.[8][2]
Would you like me to pull the very latest official statements from the police or summarize a recent timeline from reputable outlets? I can also provide a brief, citation-rich timeline if that would help.