The man who found missing boy Alex Batty wandering the mountains in the South of France has recalled their first conversation.
The schoolboy, originally from Oldham in Greater Manchester, was just 11-years-old when he disappeared during a trip to Marbella, Spain with his mum Melanie Batty, 37, and granddad David, 58.
He flew to Malaga Airport for what was expected to be a week-long stay in the Benahavis area near Marbella, but his relatives did not return on 8 October, 2017, as planned.
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Neither family member was his legal guardian.
But now, six years after he vanished, Alex has been found alive in France.
Chiropractic care student Fabien Accidini - who was doing night deliveries for local pharmacies in the area - was the person who came across Alex in Revel, near Toulouse, on 14 December.
The 26-year-old told ITV that he 'picked him up on the side of the road' after spotting the lad roaming about in the area, saying he was 'confused' and 'tired'.
Fabien explained: "We talked, we finished the pharmacy’s tour together because I was working. He told me that he was walking for four days since he left the mountains, he didn’t know really know where from nor where to."
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The missing boy, now 17, reportedly told him that he spent three years in Spain and then two years in France.
Fabien recalled how Alex told him he had been 'in a community, let's say something to do with spirituality, that he didn’t feel comfortable with'.
He said they both called the police and alerted the authorities after the Brit had shared his story.
The delivery driver continued: "They came to pick us up and that’s when I really understood what was going on - I mean his story. I don't think he had any water left because he was thirsty.
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"But apart from that he was feeling alright, he was very tired. When we arrived at the police station, once he finished talking, he lay down on the floor, and was sleeping on his back."
Reports have claimed Alex is doing 'well' and 'providing information to officials'.
His grandmother and legal guardian, Susan Caruana, said she is thrilled that her grandson has been discovered.
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Speaking to The Sun, she said: “I am so happy. I have spoken to him and he is well. He is currently with the authorities in France. It is such a shock.
“I don't know where his mum is. It is great news. I am just waiting for him to come home - I am thrilled.”
His mother and grandad have not yet been located, although police are keen to talk to them.
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: “This is a complex and long-running investigation, and we need to make further enquiries as well as putting appropriate safeguarding measures in place.”
Featured Image Credit: ITV / GMPTopics: UK News, World News, Parenting