Greater Manchester Police have initiated a criminal investigation into the suspected kidnapping of British teen Alex Batty, now 17, who disappeared six years ago. Alex returned to the UK last week and was interviewed by police following his discovery in France. He had not returned from a Spanish vacation with his mother and grandfather

A chiropody student in Toulouse, France, found Alex after he reportedly trekked across the Pyrenees. Now in the care of his grandmother Susan Caruana in Oldham, Alex expressed disillusionment with his former lifestyle, citing his mother's anti-government views and desire for a different future.

He described a recent conflict with his mother Melanie Batty, whom he respects but criticizes for her parenting. French authorities cared for Alex before he met his step-grandfather in Toulouse and flew back to the UK. He is eager to reconnect with his Oldham community.

During his absence, it's believed Alex moved through Spain, Morocco, and France with his mother and grandfather. His mother, lacking legal guardianship, has been reportedly living under an alias in southern France and may now be in Finland. Described as friendly but language-barriered, Melanie last contacted a campsite she frequented in Chalabre about a caravan collection that never occurred. French police continue their investigation, questioning campsite staff.