Police directly appealing to a missing couple told them "you wouldn’t be able to forgive yourself" if their newborn baby became sick.
Constance Marten, 35, Mark Gordon, 48, and their newborn were travelling on the motorway when their car broke down near junction four (Farnworth, Bolton) of the M61 on Thursday, 5 January. Officers attended the scene but no one was 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. Police believe Constance, Mark and their baby travelled to Liverpool and then to Harwich.
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There were also confirmed sightings of them in Colchester and the investigation was handed over to Essex Police on Monday, 9 January. 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 11.45am and 12.30pm on Saturday, January 7.
As this was the last confirmed sighting of the family, the investigation was handed over to the Metropolitan Police Service on Thursday, January 12. Constance and Mark are being urged to contact the emergency services or go to the nearest hospital, having been believed to have given birth "very recently". Neither Constance or her child have been seen by a doctor.
Detective Superintendent Lewis Basford, who is leading the investigation, directly appealed to the couple and said they are concerned for the couple and their newborn baby's safety.
He 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.”
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 newborn 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.
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