Missing Family Mystery: Newborn Baby and Parents Vanish After Car Fire on M61
Over six weeks ago, on 5 January, Constance Marten and Mark Gordon’s car was found blazing on the M61 hard shoulder. Since then, the family – including their newborn baby – has vanished without a trace.
Newborn Baby’s Health a Major Concern
Constance is believed to have given birth in or near the car just a day or two before the blaze. Alarming news: neither mother nor baby has received any medical care. Police don’t know if the baby was full-term or if it’s facing health problems.
The family was last spotted on 8 January at 6:15am, walking along Cantercrow Hill in Newhaven and heading into nearby fields. But with time ticking on, they could be anywhere by now.
Police Plead for Public Help – £10,000 Reward on Offer
“My officers and I remain absolutely committed to finding Constance, Mark, and their newborn baby,” said Detective Superintendent Lewis Basford from the Met’s East Area Command.
“We’ve reviewed over 630 hours of CCTV and received 350 calls. While these leads haven’t cracked the case, it only takes one tip to find them and ensure they’re safe.”
Police urge anyone with information to call their incident room on 020 7175 0785. If you spot the family right now, dial 999 immediately. Otherwise, use the incident number.
Contact Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111. They won’t ask for your details or track your device.
The Disappearing Trail: From M61 to Newhaven and Beyond
- 5 Jan, 6:33pm: Car on fire spotted near Farnworth, Bolton. The blaze destroyed most belongings.
- Police confirm Constance and Mark were in the car. Constance had just given birth and left without medical checks.
- The couple exited safely, walked to Anchor Lane bridge, then reportedly took a taxi to Liverpool and Harwich by early 6 Jan.
- 7 Jan: Public sightings in Harwich and Colchester.
- 9 Jan: Investigation handed to Essex Police.
- 7 Jan: Spotted by East Ham Station, then took a taxi to Whitechapel carrying an orange bag and pram, faces masked.
- Mark bought a blue two-man tent, sleeping bags, and pillows from Argos at Whitechapel – raising fears they’ve been rough camping in freezing conditions.
- Later moved around Whitechapel Road and Brick Lane, dumping items including the pram.
- Early 8 Jan: Took taxis to Haringey then Newhaven, arriving just before dawn.
- 6:00am 8 Jan: Seen sheltering from rain under a flyover near A259/B2109.
- 6:15am 8 Jan: Walking into fields beyond Cantercrow Hill with bags and their tent. Police suspect they may be camping nearby – or could have travelled far since.
Detectives stress the family might not always be together—one could be out getting supplies while the other stays with the baby.
“We’re not just looking to cause trouble. We genuinely care about their wellbeing,” said Det. Supt. Basford.
If you spot a couple matching Constance and Mark’s description, especially with a blue tent, sleeping bags, or a pram, in beauty spots, waste ground, or parks across the UK, contact police immediately.
