Missing New Parents and Baby Spark Urgent Police Hunt
Constance Marten, 35, Mark Gordon, 48, and their newborn baby vanished after their car broke down near M61 junction four (Farnworth, Bolton) on Thursday, 5 January. With Constance just having given birth, neither she nor the baby was checked by medical staff before disappearing.
Trail Leads From Bolton to Essex
The trio was spotted in Harwich and colchester/" title="Colchester" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Colchester, Essex, days after their breakdown. Police discovered they took a taxi from Harwich to East Ham Station, Newham, on Saturday, 7 January. This was their last confirmed sighting.
Investigation Passed to Metropolitan Police
On Thursday, 12 January, Essex Police handed the case to the Metropolitan Police Service, who are now leading the search. Detective Superintendent Lewis Basford 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 their newborn child. It must be exhausting for new parents and a newborn baby to be on the move for a week.”
“Mark and Constance, please consider your baby’s health and well-being and contact us so we can ensure your child is medically sound and has no underlying issues. Please do this for the sake of your child. You’d never be able to forgive yourself if they got sick. We only want to help you and your baby.”
Last Known Movements and Public Appeal
- On 5 January, the family’s vehicle broke down near M61 junction four. Officers found the car abandoned but no one inside.
- The family reportedly walked to the nearby Anchor Lane bridge.
- They are believed to have traveled to Liverpool, Harwich, Colchester, and East Ham.
- Essex Police reviewed hours of CCTV and confirmed sightings at East Ham Station between 11:45 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on 7 January.
Detective Superintendent Basford added, “This is a fast-moving investigation. Officers across the Met are carrying out urgent enquiries to find Constance, Mark, and their baby. The public’s help has been invaluable.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact the incident room on 020 7175 0785 or call Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111. No personal details are required, and devices are not tracked.
The priority is to ensure the safety and health of this young family. If you see Constance, Mark, or the baby, please reach out immediately.
