A couple who went missing with their newborn baby has been spotted more than 200 miles away from where they first vanished, police have said.
Constance Marten, 35, and her partner Mark Gordon, 48, disappeared after the car they were travelling in broke down on the M61 near Bolton on January 5.
Police say there is suggestion that Constance had very recently given birth and neither she nor the baby has been assessed by medical professionals.
This latest sighting in the capital comes after they were previously spotted in Harwich and Colchester in Essex.
The Metropolitan Police have now taken over the investigation - from January 12 0 after Essex Police found they had taken a taxi from Harwich to East Ham Station in Newham in the capital, on January 7.
The couple were last seen at East Ham Station between 11.45am and 12.30pm.
Police have appealed directly to the couple as they are growing increasinly concerned for the baby's welfare.
Detective Superintendent 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 junction four in Farnworth of the M61 in Bolton, Greater Manchester, on January 5.
Officers attended but found no-one was 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.
Officers believe they then travelled to Liverpool and then onwards to Harwich. There were also confirmed sightings of them in Colchester.
The investigation was then handed to Essex Police on January 9 before being given to Metropolitan Police on January 12.
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.”
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. They never ask for personal details and they do not trace your device.
