Teenager Alex Batty, safely back in the UK after six years missing in France, finds homecoming "surreal."
Speaking to The Sun, Batty, now 17, described his feelings: "Every time I go to sleep, it feels like I'm waking up in France." I'm not really back in England yet.
Batty shared his experiences in Spain and France, where he was taken by his mother and grandfather on a holiday in 2017 and never returned. He spoke of those initial years away as a "kind of holiday" filled with reading, drawing, and beach visits.
At age 14, things began to change. Working in construction, demolition, and renovation projects, Batty managed to pay for food and rent. Around this time, he began considering moving back to England.
"I was weighing up the pros and cons of every lifestyle, and after some thought, it became clear that England was definitely the way forward," he told The Sun. "Looking back on the past years, I can imagine my immediate future, but it's not the best path for my future."
Batty admits to leading a "non-existent social life" at home, having only one friend in six years abroad. He penned a heartfelt message to his mother before leaving France, expressing his love and gratitude for everything she had done for him.
By night, armed with a jacket, skateboard, and some cash, Batty embarked on his journey back, traveling under cover due to safety concerns.
Now in the UK, Batty feels "happy" and "fit." He expressed his love for his mother and grandfather but wishes not to cause them worry.
"I'm sorry for having to leave, but it's necessary for my future," he told them via a video on The Sun's website. "I can take care of myself, so please don't worry."
Insights
West Midlands Police conducted a thorough investigation into Batty's disappearance, consulting with the Crown Prosecution Service and the National Crime Agency. Alex, now living under his grandmother's guardianship in Oldham, is the focus of safety and reintegration efforts. Local social services and the community are likely to assist in his transition, providing educational, psychological, and other support services.
