Concern for baby’s welfare sparks Met Police incident room after Newham sighting

Constance Marten, Mark Gordon and their newborn were last seen in London on Saturday.
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Police in London have taken over the search for a couple and their newborn baby - an operation which has between passed between forces across counties.

A vehicle that Constance Marten, 35, Mark Gordon, 48, and their newborn child were travelling in was found broken down near junction four (Farnworth, Bolton) of the M61 on Thursday January 5.

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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.

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

Detective Superintendent Lewis Basford said: “It has now been more than a week since Constance and Mark’s car broke down on the M61, and we are growing increasingly concerned not only for their welfare, but for the welfare of their newborn child. Being on the move for a week must be exhausting for new parents and a newborn baby.

“Constance and Mark, I appeal directly to you, please think of your baby’s health and wellbeing and get in touch with us so we can ensure your child is medically well and has no underlying issues. Please do this for your child. You wouldn’t be able to forgive yourself if they became poorly. All we want to do is help you and your baby.”

After the car broke down near junction four (Farnworth, Bolton) of the M61 last Thursday (January 5), the family left the vehicle and the motorway safely, walking to the Anchor Lane bridge which links the Highfield and Little Hulton areas.

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Officers believe they then travelled to Liverpool and then onwards to Harwich.

There were then confirmed sightings in Colchester, before enquires and CCTV placed the couple at East Ham Station between 1..45am and 12.30pm on Saturday (January 7).

Detective Superintendent Basford added: “This is a fast-moving investigation and we have a number of officers from across the Met carrying out urgent enquiries to find Constance, Mark and their baby.

“The help from members of the public has been invaluable over the past week, and I would appeal to anyone who believes they have seen Constance, Mark or their new-born baby – either in London or further afield – to contact us without delay. Together we can ensure they and their new-born baby are safe and well.”

Constance MartenConstance Marten
Constance Marten
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Essex Police’s Detective Chief Inspector Rob Huddleston said on Monday: “Clearly, the overriding concern that we share with our colleagues at Greater Manchester Police is for Mark and Constance’s new-born child.

“We do not wish to interrupt their family life; this search is primarily to ensure the welfare of the couple’s child.”

Mark GordonMark Gordon
Mark Gordon

Greater Manchester Police’s head of public protection, Chief Superintendent Michaela Kerr, said last Friday: “As a mum, I would like to make a direct appeal to Constance. Constance, I know this is an exceptionally hard time for you and you are likely feeling scared but I promise that our number one priority is the same as yours – to keep your beautiful new born safe.

“As you know, it’s really important that both you and your baby are assessed by medical professionals as soon as possible so please make contact with emergency services or make your way to your nearest hospital, wherever that may be.”

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

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

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