Heartbreaking Discovery After Weeks-Long Search for Missing Baby
Detectives have been left devastated after nearly two months tracing a missing infant ended in tragedy. The remains of a baby were found yesterday in Brighton, bringing a grim conclusion to an eight-week investigation.
Investigation Leads to Arrests in Brighton
Detective Superintendent Lewis Basford, who led the probe, said: “My team has worked tirelessly over the past eight weeks, searching across the country for this baby. We are all truly devastated by this outcome. The shock is felt here in Brighton and nationwide.
Constance Marten and Mark Gordon were arrested on Monday, 27 February, after being spotted in a shop in Hollingbury Place, Brighton. Initially held on suspicion of child neglect, they were later charged with gross negligence manslaughter. Both remain in custody in Sussex police stations.
Basford added, “We still have many unanswered questions, and it’s vital the investigation team has the time and space to uncover the full circumstances of this tragic death.”
Timeline of the Tragic Case
- 5 January: Police called to a car on fire on the M61 near Bolton. No occupants found, most belongings destroyed.
- Investigations revealed the car was occupied by Marten and Gordon, with Constance having recently given birth, unassessed medically.
- 6-7 January: The couple and baby spotted in Harwich and Colchester; sightings confirmed by the public and CCTV.
- 7 January: Last confirmed sighting near East Ham Station; couple seen with an orange carrier bag and pram, faces covered.
- Mark Gordon purchased a blue two-man tent, sleeping bags, and pillows from Argos on Whitechapel Road.
- They were seen dumping items near Brick Lane later that night and took a taxi to Haringey.
- 8 January: Traveled to Newhaven port area; last moving sightings under a rain-soaked overpass and then on Cantercrow Hill carrying bags and tent.
- No confirmed sightings until 27 February when spotted in Brighton shop; arrested minutes later.
Ongoing Police Work and Appeal for Information
Police have referred the case to the Independent Office for Police Conduct as standard procedure due to the circumstances occurring during a missing persons investigation. The baby’s gender remains unconfirmed, and a post-mortem is pending.
To date, investigators believe the infant had been deceased for several weeks before being discovered, but more precise details await further examination.
Officers from the Metropolitan Police will continue to patrol the Brighton area in the coming days. Anyone with information is urged to contact the incident room on 0208 345 3854.
