Scotland Yard has taken over the search for a missing couple and their child which began in Bolton eleven days ago. The car the family had been travelling in was found abandoned and burning on the M61 near junction 4 at Farnworth.
Since then Greater Manchester, Essex and now the Metropolitan Police have been seeking Constance Marten, 35, Mark Gordon, 48, and their newborn baby boy. Constance is from a wealthy, landowning family with ties to the Royal Family.
It is believed 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 in Harwich and Colchester in Essex. It is believed they paid in cash for a taxi first to Liverpool and then to Essex.
They are thought to have stayed at a hotel in Colchester using false names. Essex Police established that on the morning of Saturday January 7th the trio took a taxi from Harwich to East Ham Station, in Newham, London.
As this is the last known sighting of them, the investigation was handed over to the Metropolitan Police Service. Detective Supt Lewis Basford, who is leading the investigation, 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.”
Constance and Mark’s vehicle broke down near on the M61 on Thursday January 5th and was found on the hard shoulder. Officers attended but no occupants were found in the car, and so a missing persons investigation was launched by Greater Manchester Police.
The family left the vehicle and the motorway safely – walking to the Anchor Lane bridge which links the Highfield and Little Hulton areas. They then travelled to Liverpool.
Essex Police carried out a number of enquiries and reviewed hours of CCTV and were able to place the couple at East Ham Station between 11:45hrs and 12:30hrs on Saturday January 7th. Detective Supt Basford said:"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.”
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.
