The "estranged" dad of a mum who is missing with her newborn baby has pleaded for her to "find the courage to present" herself.
Constance Marten, Mark Gordon and their baby went missing on January 5 after their burning car was abandoned on the M61 near Bolton. It's believed their car broke down and then caught fire so the couple walked to Anchor Lane Bridge, where they got a taxi to Liverpool before getting another to Harwich, Essex.
They were seen around Colchester on Friday January 6 and Saturday 7, when they took another taxi to East Ham Station in Newham, London, and where they were last seen. Each time Ms Marten and Mr Gordon were seen on CCTV, they covered their faces or looked away, and they've also kept the baby covered up.
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It was revealed Mr Gordon is a sex offender who served 20 years in US jail for rape and battery. Mr Gordon's conviction relates to a Florida attack on a woman in her early 20s when he was 14.
Constance's dad Napier Marten has directly appealed to his daughter to hand herself in and she is "very much, much loved whatever the circumstances".
In his direct appeal, reports The Independent, the film and music producer said: "I am grateful for this opportunity to appeal directly to my daughter Constance following the public revelations concerning her partner, Mark Gordon, and having lived with the family in great concern knowing of his past record for some time.
"Darling Constance, even though we remain estranged at the moment, I stand by as I have always done and as the family has always done to do whatever is necessary for your safe return to us.
"I beseech you to find a way to turn yourself and your wee one in to the police as soon as possible so you and he or she can be protected. Only then can a process of healing and recovery begin however long it may take, however difficult it maybe.
"I would like you to understand that the family will do all that is needed for your wellbeing and I also wish you to understand you are much, much loved whatever the circumstances. We are deeply concerned for your and your baby's welfare.
"The past eight years have been beyond painful for all the family as well as your friends as they must have been for you. To see you so vulnerable again is testing to the extreme."
Mr Marten, reportedly a former Page to the late Queen Elizabeth, thanked police for "all their endeavours in bringing this tragic episode to a swift and safe conclusion". The family is believed to be from a wealthy aristocratic family. According to the Sunday Times, her grandmother was a playmate of Princess Margaret, while her father Napier Marten was a page to Queen Elizabeth.
Police have said they are worried for the newborn and say neither Ms Marten nor the baby have had medical attention since the birth. The couple are understood to have lived an isolated life since meeting in 2016, with then-drama student Ms Marten cutting off ties with family and friends.
Investigators say the couple appear to know how to evade authorities - making the search for them harder. Police believe they could be anywhere in the UK and are appealing to the public to come forward with any information that may help find them.
Investigators said it is unusual for hotels to accept cash payments and appealed to staff at hotels or hostels where the couple may stay to come forward.
Detective Superintendent Lewis Basford said: "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."
Some 200 officers are working on the search and have scoured through more than 200 hours of CCTV footage since the pair were last seen on January 7.
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