Boy, 11, who vanished for six years in different country contacts mum for first time since being found

Alex Batty revealed that he has contacted his mother for the first time since returning to the UK, following the release of a new documentary on his story.

When Alex was just 11 years old, he was taken to live on a commune with his mother and grandfather, who were not his legal guardians, sparking a six-year search.

He was ultimately found in December 2023, wandering alongside the road by a French delivery driver, who took him to a police station.

Nearly three years on from his return to the UK, Alex has reflected on his experience in a new BBC documentary, Kidnapped by My Mum, in which the now 20-year-old explains the heartbreaking reasons he was scared of his mother and grandfather being arrested.

Following the documentary's release, Alex spoke to BBC News about his experience returning to the locations he lived with his mother, Melanie Batty, revealing that he'd recently reached out to her for the first time since coming home to the UK.

"My relationship with my mum, it's such a complicated thing," he explained.

"I'm annoyed at what she did... the experiences I missed out on and my lack of education."

The Oldham lad is now 20 years old (ITV)

Alex made the decision to reach out to Melanie after retracing his childhood journey through Spain and Southern France, sending her a text message which read: "I know how much you care about me and how all you wanted to do was protect me. I love both of you."

Now a father himself, Alex added that he would pursue rebuilding bridges with his mother at his own pace and hopes to one day reconnect with her in person.

"Hopefully, one day I'll be able to get to the point where I can go and see them and have an enjoyable time," he added.

"Rather than have my mum push things down my throat like she used to do."

Why weren't Alex Batty's mum and grandad arrested over his kidnapping?

Alex Batty with his mother, Melanie, and grandad, David (Facebook)

Following his return to the UK, Alex was interviewed by police who decided to open an investigation into Melanie and her father, David, over an alleged kidnapping.

However, the investigation was later closed in January 2025, with police confirming the reason was due to a lack of support from the family and 'no realistic chance of prosecution'. Melanie has never been charged with a crime in relation to her son's disappearance and is thought to be continuing to live a nomadic lifestyle.

Alex previously explained why he didn't try to come back to the UK earlier, revealing that he didn't want his mother and grandfather to be sent to prison.

"That's why I didn't come home sooner. All I worried about was them getting locked up," he told Good Morning Britain in 2024.

Kidnapped by My Mum is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.