£10,000 Reward to Find Missing Family and Newborn Baby
Police are desperate to find Constance Marten, 35, Mark Gordon, 48, and their newborn baby. The trio have been missing for nearly a month, and officers are now offering a £10,000 reward for information leading to their discovery.
Urgent Concerns Over Baby’s Health
Detective Superintendent Lewis Basford, leading the hunt, warned: “We’re extremely worried about the baby’s health and wellbeing. The newborn hasn’t had any medical care and has been on the move in sub-zero temperatures for almost a month.”
He added: “Constance and Mark have been constantly moving and likely awake for days, which is especially tough for a new mother who hasn’t had medical attention.”
DS Basford urged anyone with info to come forward, saying: “Even if you held back before, it’s time to do the right thing for this vulnerable child. Maybe you saw them wandering, asked for directions, got into your taxi, or popped into your shop for food and drink. Please get in touch.
And, if you gave them a lift, accommodation, or any service for cash – don’t worry, you’re not in trouble. We just need your information.”
Last Seen in Sussex with Camping Gear
Detectives tracked the family to Newhaven, East Sussex, where they were dropped off at 4:56am on Sunday 8 January near the port. They were carrying blue two-man tent, sleeping bags, and pillows purchased from Argos the night before – suggesting they may still be camping somewhere in the UK.
However, they dumped the pushchair they had been seen with earlier in Flower and Dean Walk, London, at 11:46pm on 7 January.
DS Basford said: “We have no evidence they boarded a ferry and believe they are still somewhere in the UK. The baby was alive and with them in the taxi to Newhaven. Please keep an eye out for a blue tent in open spaces, wasteland, or beauty spots.”
How You Can Help
- Call the incident room on 020 7175 0785
- Report anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111
Timeline of Events
- 5 January: Police called to a car fire on M61 near Farnworth – no sign of occupants.
- 6 January: Family believed to have travelled from Bolton to Liverpool, then to Harwich via taxi around 3:30am.
- 6-7 January: Sightings confirmed in Colchester and Harwich.
- 7 January: Seen near East Ham Station in London mid-morning, later on Whitechapel Road buying camping gear from Argos.
- 7 January, 11:45pm: Dumped pushchair at Flower and Dean Walk, then took taxi to Haringey.
- 8 January, 1:24am: Taxi from Haringey to Newhaven port, dropped off 4:56am – last known sighting.
The family are believed to be constantly on the move, making urgent calls for the public to stay vigilant and report any clues. This is a race against time to ensure the safety of a newborn baby exposed to harsh conditions without medical care.
