On 5 January, over six weeks ago, Constance Marten and Mark Gordon’s car was found ablaze on the hard shoulder of the M61 near Farnworth, Bolton. Since the fire, the family, including their newborn baby, has vanished without a trace.
Authorities believe Constance gave birth in or near the vehicle just a day or two before the blaze. Alarmingly, neither the mother nor the baby has received any medical attention. Police remain uncertain if the baby was full-term or if any health complications exist.
The family was last seen on 8 January at 6:15 am, walking along Cantercrow Hill in Newhaven, heading into nearby fields. With time passing, they could be anywhere in the UK.
Detective Superintendent Lewis Basford from the Metropolitan Police’s East Area Command said, “My officers and I remain absolutely committed to finding Constance, Mark, and their newborn baby. 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 are urging anyone with information to contact their incident room on 020 7175 0785. If the family is spotted, the public should call 999 immediately. Alternatively, anonymous tips can be given to Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111, where no personal details or device tracking will occur.
The timeline of events is as follows:
- 5 January, 6:33 pm: Car fire reported near Farnworth, Bolton, destroying most belongings. Constance and Mark were confirmed to be in the car. Constance had recently given birth but 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 January.
- 7 January: Public sightings in Harwich and Colchester.
- 7 January: Seen at East Ham Station, then took a taxi to Whitechapel carrying an orange bag and pram, faces masked.
- Mark purchased a blue two-man tent, sleeping bags, and pillows from Argos in Whitechapel, raising concerns they may be rough camping in freezing weather.
- They moved around Whitechapel Road and Brick Lane, discarding items including the pram.
- Early 8 January: Took taxis to Haringey and then Newhaven, arriving just before dawn.
- 6:00 am, 8 January: Seen sheltering from rain under a flyover near the A259/B2109 junction.
- 6:15 am, 8 January: Walking into fields beyond Cantercrow Hill with bags and their tent. Police suspect they may be camping nearby or could have travelled further.
Detectives warn the family might not always be together; one could be out obtaining supplies while the other stays with the baby. Detective Superintendent Basford added, “We’re not just looking to cause trouble. We genuinely care about their wellbeing.”
Anyone spotting a couple matching the descriptions of Constance and Mark, especially if seen with a blue tent, sleeping bags, or a pram in rural areas, parks, or waste ground across the UK, is urged to contact police immediately.
Originally published by UKNIP.
