Constance Marten: Police increasingly concerned for missing couple with newborn baby

Police are growing increasingly concerned for the welfare of a missing couple and their newborn baby who were last seen in London over a week ago.

Constance Marten, 35, Mark Gordon, 48, and their newborn child disappeared after their car broke down on the M61 near Bolton on January 5.

Officers attended but no occupants were found, and a missing persons investigation was launched by Greater Manchester Police.

Enquiries suggest that Constance had very recently given birth and neither she nor the baby have been assessed by medical professionals.

There were subsequent sightings of the couple and the baby over the following days in Harwich and Colchester in Essex.

Detectives from Essex Police took over the search on Monday, and established that on the morning of Saturday (January 7) the trio took a taxi from Harwich to East Ham station, in Newham.

As this is the last known sighting of them, the investigation was handed over to the Metropolitan Police Service on Thursday January 12.

Police are urging members of the public to come forward with any information.

Det Sup Lewis Basford, who is leading the investigation, said: “It has now almost been two weeks since Mark and Constance’s car broke down on the M61 near Bolton and they have been on the move all that time with a newborn baby.

“As far as we are aware, neither Constance nor the baby have received medical attention since it was born. Our priority is to ensure the baby, and indeed both Constance and Mark, are safe and well.

“Once again, I appeal directly to you Constance and Mark. Please do the right thing for your baby and get in touch with us so that we know that you are all doing okay.

“This is a complex investigation with officers from across the Met continuing to work around the clock to find Constance, Mark and their baby. There is nothing to suggest that any of them have come to any sort of intentional harm – we just need to ensure they are okay, especially the baby, and do not require any medical assistance for any underlying issues.

“The last confirmed sighting of them was more than a week ago in East Ham – they could now be anywhere in the UK, which is why it is vital that members of the public continue to contact us with any suspected sightings.

“The assistance you’ve provided so far has been invaluable. Please don’t forget about Constance, Mark and the baby – if you see them or think you have seen them then please contact us as a matter of urgency.”

Anyone who has information on the family’s whereabouts should call the incident room on 020 7175 0785.

Alternatively, information can be reported 100 per cent anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.