COPS' PROBE INTO ALEX 'ABDUCTION'

Teenager admits he made up French trek Story to protect mum

- HOLLIE BONE

A CRIMINAL probe has been launched into the alleged abduction of teenager Alex Batty, who turned up six years after vanishing abroad.

Alex, 17, was returned to his home earlier this month after disappearing on a family holiday to Spain aged 11.

Police quizzed the lad yesterday after he admitted lying about where he had been staying to protect his mum, Melanie, 43, and grandfather David, 64.

The pair, who were not his legal guardians, had taken Alex on the prearranged Spanish trip in 2017 but never returned.

Despite a long investigation, police were unable to locate the youngster, and he was suspected of being taken off-grid to live a nomadic lifestyle.

This week Alex claimed he finally left his mother for a better future, saying that while she was a great person, she had failings as a parent.