Police end investigation into teen’s disappearance

Police have closed a criminal investigation into the disappearance of British teenager Alex Batty, who returned to the UK in 2024 after being missing for six years.

The Oldham boy disappeared in 2017 at the age of 11 after going on holiday with his mother and grandfather, before he was found in France in 2023.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said that the investigation into the child’s kidnapping had been closed because his family had not supported it and “there is no realistic prospect of a prosecution”.

Det Superintendent Matt Walker said: “Closing this chapter in the lives of Alex and his family is the right thing to do, especially as this is the outcome they wanted.”