Detectives Devastated After Baby’s Remains Found in Brighton
Detectives who spent nearly eight weeks searching for a missing baby have been left heartbroken. The tragic discovery came yesterday when the infant’s remains were found in Brighton.
Investigation Details and Latest Developments
Detective Superintendent Lewis Basford, leading the probe, said: “My team has been working tirelessly for the past eight weeks, travelling across the country in search of this baby. We are truly devastated by the outcome, and we know the heartbreak is being felt here in Brighton and nationwide.”
He added: “Many questions remain unanswered, and it’s important we allow the investigation team the time and space needed to uncover the full circumstances of this tragic death. At this stage, we have not confirmed the baby’s gender and the post-mortem has yet to take place.”
Based on current enquiries, detectives believe the baby had been dead for several weeks before being found. A mandatory referral has been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, as the death occurred amid a missing person investigation, and this is standard protocol.
Couple Arrested on Suspicion of Manslaughter
Constance Marten and Mark Gordon were arrested in Brighton on Monday, 27 February, after being spotted in a shop in Hollingbury Place. Initially held on suspicion of child neglect, they now face further charges of gross negligence manslaughter. Both remain in custody at Sussex police stations, with their detention extended until Thursday evening, 2 March.
Metropolitan Police officers will continue to patrol the area, urging anyone with information to contact the investigation team on 0208 345 3854. Police also thanked the media, public, and Sussex policing colleagues for their support.
How the Investigation Unfolded: A Grim Timeline
- 5 January: Police called to a car fire on the M61 near Bolton. Occupants had fled. Belongings were mostly destroyed in the blaze.
- Constance and Mark were identified as the car’s occupants. Constance reportedly gave birth just days before but had not had medical checks.
- Greater Manchester Police launched a missing persons investigation after the family left the motorway and were seen heading to the Anchor Lane bridge.
- The couple and baby were spotted in Liverpool, Harwich, and Colchester between 6–7 January.
- Investigation shifted to Essex Police on 9 January, then handed over to the Met Police on 12 January after CCTV placed the family near East Ham Station and later Whitechapel Road.
- On 7 January, Mark was recorded buying camping gear from Argos. The duo were seen wandering Whitechapel and Brick Lane, dumping items including a pushchair, before heading to Haringey by taxi.
- In the early hours of 8 January, they travelled to Newhaven, walking under an overpass to shelter from the rain.
- The family were last seen carrying bags and a blue tent into fields near Cantercrow Hill.
- They resurfaced in Brighton on 27 February, where they were arrested shortly after.
- On 1 March, officers discovered the baby’s remains near the arrest site. A post-mortem will follow.
This tragic case continues to unfold, with the investigation ongoing as police seek answers.
