'This is a huge moment for Alex, for his family, and for the community in Oldham'

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

Alex Batty should return home to England over the 'next few days', police have said. At a press conference, Greater Manchester Police said the force is working with French authorities to bring the 17-year-old back home 'as soon as possible'.

Assistant Chief Constable Chris Sykes confirmed the boy, from Oldham, had spoken with his grandmother Susan Caruana over a video call last night.

ACC Sykes said she confirmed that the teenager was Alex, but that 'further checks' will need to be carried out when he returns home.

GMP are now working with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office to provide travel documents for him. READ MORE: 'He's coming home': Grandmother's joy as missing Alex Batty is found in France READ MORE: Alex Batty: Missing boy 'wanted to see grandmother and have a normal future' ACC Sykes said: "I think I speak on behalf of the whole of Greater Manchester Police when I say we were relieved and overjoyed to receive news from the French Authorities that they believe Alex Batty had been located safe and well, more than 6 years after his disappearance.