Tragic Baby Death Shocks Brighton and Beyond
Detective Superintendent Lewis Basford has revealed the heartbreaking conclusion of an eight-week search for a missing baby. “My team has travelled nationwide on this case,” he said. “We are devastated by this outcome, and we know Brighton and the whole country share this grief.”
Though key details remain unclear, the investigation into the baby’s death continues. “We haven’t confirmed the baby’s gender yet, and a post-mortem has not occurred,” Basford added. “Sadly, evidence suggests the baby had been deceased for several weeks before discovery.”
A mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct has been made, following procedures linked to a missing person investigation.
Couple Arrested in Brighton After Public Sighting
Constance Marten and Mark Gordon were nabbed in Stanmer Villas, Brighton, on the evening of Monday, 27 February, after being spotted in a Hollingbury shop. Initially arrested for child neglect, both face charges of gross negligence manslaughter. They remain in police custody in Sussex with their detention extended until Thursday evening, 2 March.
The Met Police plan to maintain a presence in the Brighton area in the coming days. Anyone with information is urged to call the incident room on 0208 345 3854.
Timeline: The Haunting Journey from Bolton to Brighton
- 5 January, 18:33 – Police respond to a car fire on the M61 near Farnworth, Bolton. The occupants are missing, with belongings destroyed.
- Following enquiries, Constance and Mark are identified as the vehicle’s occupants. Constance had recently given birth but received no medical care.
- A missing person’s investigation reveals the family walked to nearby Anchor Lane bridge, then travelled to Liverpool and Harwich by taxi early 6 January.
- 7 January – They’re spotted in Harwich and Colchester, with the last confirmed sighting around East Ham Station, London.
- Later on 7 January – The couple, heads and faces covered, buy camping gear from Argos in Whitechapel, carry an orange bag and pram, and dispose of items near Brick Lane before taking a taxi to Haringey.
- 8 January – They travel by taxi from Haringey to Newhaven and are seen sheltering under an overpass early morning, then walk into nearby fields.
- 27 February – Seen in Hollingbury Place, Brighton, leading to their arrest minutes later at Stanmer Villas.
- 1 March – Police find baby remains in woodland close to their arrest site. Post-mortem is pending.
Ongoing Investigation
Investigators continue piecing together events surrounding this tragedy. Chief Superintendent Basford appeals for patience and cooperation from the public and media. “We thank everyone supporting our efforts to uncover the full story behind this devastating loss.”
