Constance Marten, 35, Mark Gordon, 48, and their newborn baby disappeared after their car broke down near M61 junction four (Farnworth, Bolton) on Thursday, 5 January. Since Constance had just given birth, neither she nor the baby was checked by medical staff before they vanished.
The search trail has led from Bolton to Essex, where the trio was seen in Harwich and Colchester days after their vehicle broke down. Police confirmed that they took a taxi from Harwich to East Ham Station, Newham, on Saturday, 7 January. This remains their last confirmed sighting.
On Thursday, 12 January, Essex Police transferred the investigation to the Metropolitan Police Service, who are now leading the urgent search for the family.
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.”
He added, “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.”
Regarding their last known movements, on 5 January, the family’s vehicle broke down near M61 junction four. Officers found the car abandoned with no one inside. The family reportedly walked to the nearby Anchor Lane bridge and are believed to have traveled to Liverpool, Harwich, Colchester, and East Ham.
Essex Police reviewed hours of CCTV footage 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.
Originally published by UKNIP.
