A couple and their newborn baby who went missing last week are thought to have been seen after travelling inland from an Essex port, police have said.
Constance Marten and Mark Gordon abandoned their vehicle when it broke down on the M61, near Bolton, on Thursday evening.
Police are still searching for the family, as evidence suggests that Marten had very recently given birth and neither she nor the baby have been assessed by medical professionals.
Greater Manchester police released a CCTV image thought to be of Marten wearing a red shawl or blanket near Harwich Port in Essex, more than 250 miles from where they went missing, which was taken at about 9am on Saturday.
The couple were seen later in Colchester, about 20 miles away, at 10am.
An Essex police spokesperson said: “We believe they initially travelled to Liverpool before Mark, Constance and a child were seen by a member of the public in Harwich at about 9am on Saturday morning.”
DCI Rob Huddleston said: “Clearly, the overriding concern that we share with our colleagues at Greater Manchester police is for Mark and Constance’s newborn child.
“We do not wish to interrupt their family life; this search is primarily to ensure the welfare of the couple’s child.
“We are carrying out a number of inquiries in and around Colchester in order to locate them. We’re also liaising with colleagues at British Transport Police around potential onward travel from Colchester.
“I would ask the people of Colchester, and indeed wider north Essex, to please familiarise yourself with Mark and Constance’s faces and report any sightings to us immediately.”
The couple are originally from London. Gordon was seen wearing dark clothing and Marten, who has a southern accent, was wearing a burgundy coat. The newborn appeared to be swaddled.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of the couple and their child is asked to call Essex police on 101.
Greater Manchester police have also urged members of the public to contact them via 999 quoting 2657 05/01/23 if they have any information about the family’s whereabouts. Information can also be shared anonymously via the Crimestoppers charity.
