A missing woman who has recently given birth abandoned a burning car on the motorway before she and her lover used fake names to check into hotels.
Constance Marten, her partner Mark Gordon, and her newborn infant have vanished after they were spotted on CCTV walking away from a car they had bought just six days earlier.
The pair walked along the hard shoulder of the M61 motorway near Bolton, Greater Manchester, with Constance carrying the tot in her arms on Thursday, January 5.
She was spotted again 200 miles away near Harwich port, Essex, where she was seen appearing to carry the child under a bright red shall.
Police say she was seen about 20 miles away in Colchester and officers believe they may have used false names to check into a B&B.
Detectives believe the family of three took a taxi from there to East Ham tube station in Newham, East London, 70 miles away, paying the fare in cash, before disappearing.
The 35-year-old mum and her 48-year-old partner have not been seen since.
As concerns for the family's welfare skyrockets, details have emerged about who Constance is and her background
The 35-year-old is the granddaughter of archaeologist Mary Anna Marten, whose godmother was the late Queen Mother, it has emerged.
Mary and husband Lt. Cdr George's wedding was attended by the then-King George VI alongside the Queen Mother and Princess Margaret.
The aristocrats were also involved in the Crichel Down Affair after their Dorset home and grounds were bought by Winston Churchill's government for military use during WWII, then failed to sell it back to the family.
Constance's father, Napier Marten, was a page to the late Queen before later giving up the family's £115million fortune.
Greater Manchester Police have said they are extremely concerned for Constance and her baby as it is thought neither have been examined by medical professionals since the birth.
"Officers are becoming increasingly concerned for the welfare of the new born baby which is everyone's priority and are asking for Constance and any members of the public who have any information to reach out to ensure they are safe and well," the force said.
GMP's Head of Public Protection, Chief Superintendent Michaela Kerr, previously issued a direct plea to Constance.
She said: "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.
"I would also like to appeal to members of the public – not just in Bolton but across Greater Manchester and beyond."
