Couple Nabbed in Brighton as Police Hunt Missing Baby
Police arrested Constance and Mark in Stanmer Villas, Brighton around 9:30pm on Monday, 27 February. They were spotted in a shop on Hollingbury Place by a vigilant member of the public.
The couple was first held on suspicion of child neglect. That quickly escalated to a more serious charge: gross negligence manslaughter. Both remain in custody at a Sussex police station.
Missing Baby Triggers Massive Police Hunt
The baby isn’t with the couple and has yet to be found. Authorities have unleashed a full-scale search operation. This includes a police helicopter, sniffer dogs, thermal imaging cameras, and drones scouring the area.
Over 200 officers from Sussex Police and the Met have joined forces in the search, focusing on open spaces north of Brighton near where the couple were arrested.
Detective Superintendent Lewis Basford said: “Our key priority throughout this investigation has been finding the baby. We’re urging anyone between Brighton and Newhaven to report sightings or any unusual activity, especially in gardens, sheds, or outbuildings.”
He added: “It doesn’t matter how small the detail — if you see something suspicious, please contact us immediately. Public support is vital.”
Tracing The Couple’s Mysterious Journey
The investigation began after a car fire on the M61 near Bolton on 5 January, when officers found the vehicle empty but recently occupied by Constance and Mark. Constance had given birth around that time but had not seen medical professionals.
Police tracked the pair journeying from Bolton to Liverpool, then to Harwich by taxi. They were spotted with a baby on 7 January in Harwich and Colchester before moving on.
The Metropolitan Police took over the case mid-January, placing the couple near East Ham Station and later on Whitechapel Road, London. CCTV footage showed them carrying a pram and buying camping gear including a tent and sleeping bags, fuelling fears they were living rough in freezing conditions.
After roaming around East London, they ditched some belongings near Brick Lane and took taxis to Haringey and then Newhaven. Police believe the couple has been camping near the A259 since early January, often sheltering from rain under bridges.
Police Plea: Help Find The Missing Baby
Detectives praised the public for tip-offs so far and asked anyone with information to call the incident room on 0208 3453 865 or dial 999.
With a huge force deployed and sophisticated tech in play, the hunt for the baby is on. The nation watches and waits for news.
