The grandmother of a boy who went missing with his mother and grandfather while on holiday in Spain has appealed for information on his 12th birthday.

Susan Caruana, 62, is the legal guardian of her grandson Alex Batty, but has not seen him since he flew to Malaga with his mother, Melanie, 37, and his grandfather David, 58, on 30 September.

Caruana said she believed her daughter and former partner had run away with the boy because they wanted him to have “an alternative lifestyle”. Melanie Batty has previously lived in a commune in Morocco with her son.

“The reason I believe they have done this is because basically my lifestyle, my belief systems, are not what they agree with – just simply living day to day, how normal people do,” Caruana said. “They didn’t want him to go to school, they don’t believe in mainstream school.”



Greater Manchester police said Melanie and David Batty were wanted in connection with Alex’s abduction. They said they did not believe the boy was at risk of immediate harm, but that there were genuine concerns for the his welfare and that it was unclear how the family was funding their lifestyle overseas.

DS Pete Morley said views held by Alex’s mother and grandfather had led police to believe the boy may not be receiving proper healthcare or schooling.

“In terms of meeting his basic needs as a child, do lead us to a serious concern that his future will be affected by what’s happening at the moment,” Morley said.

Caruana, who had looked after Alex for three years, had allowed him to go on a holiday with his mother and grandfather because she had been unable to take him overseas herself because of ill health.



The trio stayed in the Benahavís area near Marbella and were due to return to the UK on 8 October.

“They were due back in the afternoon and my husband was going to go and pick them up,” said Caruana. “I got this message on Facebook and it was a YouTube video of the three of them. They all spoke on it and Melanie said the reasons why they had done what they’d done.

“Alex said it was a million times better being with his mum and grandad. Obviously it hurt me a bit but then my other concerns kicked in.”

Police inquiries have found that the family left the villa they were staying in in Benahavís and may have tried to head to the Spanish enclave of Melilla, which borders Morocco. Alex Batty is described as white, about 5ft, slim, with blond hair and a northern accent.

Caruana said he was “bright, very cheerful, very affectionate”, adding: “I love him so much. I’m beginning to think I may never see him again. I just hope this appeal helps to find him. I just die inside a little bit more every day.”

Morley said: “It’s Alex’s 12th birthday today and instead of being at home with his grandmother and friends, we don’t know where he is … I would implore any of Melanie’s or David’s friends, who might have heard from them, to please contact police immediately.”