French Couple Provides Insights into the Life of British Teen Alex Batty

The French hosts of Alex Batty, a British teen who went missing in 2017, have shared insights about his life during his disappearance. Alex, originally from Oldham, Greater Manchester, vanished with his mother and grandfather while on holiday in Spain. Now 17, he recently made his way back to the UK from the French Pyrenees.

Known as "Zach" to the owners of the French farmhouse he intermittently lived in for two years, Alex became like family to them. Owners Frederic Hambye and Ingrid Beauve revealed on their website that Alex worked for his keep and enjoyed summer outings with them.

Although not residing with his mother, he would periodically leave to see her. The owners helped Alex seek schooling, but his lack of official ID hindered the process. He then chose to return to the UK for documentation to pursue computer science studies in France.

After his departure, the couple learned Alex intended to meet his mother, and they expressed their ongoing support for him. Meanwhile, Greater Manchester Police are determining if a criminal probe is necessary and focusing on Alex's family support and societal reintegration. His mother's current location is unknown, but Alex believes she may have planned to take him to Finland, prompting his return to the UK.