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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
National
Abigail Nicholson

Man missing with partner and newborn baby spent 20 years in jail for rape

A man who is currently missing with his partner and newborn baby spent 20 years in a United States prison.

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 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.

READ MORE: 'School staff member' arrested on suspicion of child sex offences

It can now be revealed that 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.

Ms Marten comes from a wealthy aristocratic family who had links to the Royals. 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.

Constance Marten and Mark Gordon are missing (GMP)

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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