Mother suspected of going to Morocco and kidnapping her own son while he holidayed

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A manhunt has been launched for a mother suspected of kidnapping her 11-year-old son during a holiday to Spain.

Melanie Batty, 37, flew to Malaga with her son Alex and other members of the family on 30 September, before heading with them to the Benahavis area near Marbella.

She does not have parental guardianship of the boy from Oldham, who was due to return to England on 8 October, but never did.

Detectives from Greater Manchester Police have since discovered that the family left Benahavis and may have tried to head to Melilla in Morocco from the Port of Malaga.

Alex has not been seen since and although officers do not believe he is at risk of harm, they are concerned about his welfare and want to bring him home to his guardian.

He is white, about 5ft, slim, has blond hair and speaks with a northern accent.

Ms Batty is wanted in connection with his abduction and officers are also trying to trace her with the help of Spanish authorities.

Police said Alex's guardian was "understandably extremely upset" and that although she heard from Alex on the 8 October, she had not heard from him since and was desperate to get him home.

Detective Inspector Lindsay Booth from Oldham’s Public Protection Division said: “Our main priority is finding Alex and bringing him home. We have followed extensive enquiries and we know Melanie has visited Morocco a number of times before and we believe she could have travelled with Alex to there.

"Our last known location of Alex puts him near the Port of Malaga and boats run from there to Melilla in Morocco.

"I am appealing to anyone who recognises this young boy or Melanie, or has been in contact with them, to please get in touch with us. It might be that you were staying in the same resort as them, are friends from home and have heard from them through social media or texts, or that you might have some knowledge of their plans.

“I implore you, please get in touch with us or contact police if you are abroad.”

Anyone with any information should call police on 0161 856 8972 (+44 161 856 8972 if you are abroad) or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.