Police have launched a major appeal for information about a 12-year-old boy who is thought to have been kidnapped by his mother during a holiday in Spain.
Alex Batty, from Oldham, Manchester, was reported missing on 8 October after he went on holiday with his mother, who does not have parental guardianship, and his grandfather.
Melanie Batty, 37, and David Batty, 58, are wanted in connection with his abduction. It is believed they are with Alex.
On 30 September, the trio flew into Malaga Airport and stayed in the Benahavis area near Marbella.
Alex was due to return to England on 8 October but has not been seen since then.
Previous enquiries revealed the family left Benahavis and may have tried to head to Melilla in Morocco from the Port of Malaga.
Greater Manchester Police have issued an appeal for fresh information on his 12th birthday.
While they do not believe Alex is at risk of immediate harm, they are concerned about his welfare and want to bring him home to his grandmother, Susan, who is his guardian.
He is white, about 5ft, slim, has blond hair and speaks with a northern accent.
Detective Sergeant Pete 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.
“Our mission is to find Alex and bring him home but sadly we have had no further sightings of him since 8 October 2017 at the Port of Malaga.
“His grandmother Susan is beside herself with worry. She’s gone from seeing Alex every day to not hearing off him for months. She misses him terribly and is desperate to know he is alright.
“I would implore any of Melanie’s or David’s friends, who might have heard from them, to please contact police immediately. Alex’s friends may have also heard from him.
“I understand this is an emotive situation but ultimately Alex should be at home in Oldham and there are genuine concerns about his welfare. He has been missing out on school and we don’t know how the family are funding their lifestyle abroad.
“Anyone who has any information, no matter how irrelevant you might think it is, I appeal to you to please get in touch.”
People can call police on 0161 856 8972 (+44 161 856 8972 if you are abroad) or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
