British teenager Alex Batty, who went missing for six years and was located in France, has returned to the UK, according to Greater Manchester Police.

In 2017, Alex disappeared while on vacation with his mother and grandfather in Spain. His mother lacks parental guardianship over the now 17-year-old, and her current whereabouts are unknown.

During a press conference, the police stated that they were still in the process of determining the circumstances surrounding his disappearance. Whether a criminal investigation will be initiated remains undecided.

Alex was discovered on a road in the foothills of the French Pyrenees near Toulouse by a motorist on Wednesday. GMP Assistant Chief Constable Matt Boyle announced at a Saturday night news conference that Alex has safely returned to the UK after six years.

Upon landing at Toulouse airport, Alex was met by a family member and specially trained officers before flying back to the UK. Boyle expressed the significance of this moment for Alex and his loved ones, emphasizing their joy at being reunited after such a prolonged period.

Due to the absence of formal statements from Alex, GMP refrained from commenting on details provided by French authorities regarding his activities during the time he was missing.

"Speaking with him at a pace that feels comfortable to him will ultimately determine how this case is progressed and whether a criminal investigation is to ensue," ACC Boyle added.

"We are yet to establish the circumstances surrounding his disappearance."

Alex is believed to have lived a nomadic lifestyle in spiritual communities with his mother and grandfather for the past few years.

French officials said he decided to leave when his mother wanted to go to Finland.

Alex is believed to have walked through the mountainous terrain of southern France for four days before being found by a delivery driver in the middle of the night.

The driver, Fabien Accidini, said he lent the teenager his phone and let him use his Facebook account to contact his grandmother, Susan Caruana.

Wow

Good to hear

Nice