I can't wait for when we are reunited...

GRAN TELLS OF RELIEF AS BOY MISSING FOR SIX YEARS IS FOUND IN FRANCE

- PAUL BYRNE & ASHLIE BLAKEY

ALEX Batty's grandmother has described the 'dream' moment she heard her grandson's voice for the first time in six years.

Susan Caruana spoke to the teenager over video call on Thursday night after he was found in France six years after he disappeared with his mum Melanie and grandfather David in 2017.

She confirmed to Greater Manchester Police that the boy was her grandson and said it was 'unbelievable' speaking to him.

Speaking from her home in Oldham, the 68-year-old said: "It was absolutely like a dream when I heard his voice. It was unbelievable." In a statement issued through GMP, she added: "I cannot begin to express my relief and happiness that Alex has been found safe and well.

"I spoke with him last night and it was so good to hear his voice and see ACC Chris Sykes his face again. I can't wait to see him when we're reunited. The main thing is that he's safe, after what would be an overwhelming experience for anyone, not least a child.

"I would ask that our family are given privacy as we welcome Alex back, so we can make this process as comforting as possible." Alex, who is now 17, had gone on a family holiday to Spain in September 2017 and is believed to have been abducted by his mum to live an 'alternative' lifestyle abroad. The teenager was found near the French city of Toulouse on Wednesday and taken to a police station in the village of Revel by chiropody student Fabien Accidini.