Essex Police have issued a statement as the search continues for the missing couple and baby who broke down on the M61 last week after a number of sightings were reported in north Essex on Saturday.
Given that these are the only sightings of Constance Marten, Mark Gordon and their new-born child since Thursday 5 January, Essex Police have agreed to now lead the search for them.
Their vehicle broke down near junction four (Farnworth, Bolton) of the M61 on Thursday 5 January 2023. The family left the vehicle and the motorway safely – walking to the Anchor Lane bridge which links the Highfield and Little Hulton areas.
Initial enquiries suggest that Constance had very recently given birth and neither she nor the baby have been assessed by medical professionals.
We believe they initially travelled to Liverpool before Mark, Constance and a child were seen by a member of the public in Harwich at about 9am on Saturday morning.
There is also a confirmed sighting in Colchester about an hour later.
Detective Chief Inspector Rob Huddleston said:
“Clearly, the overriding concern that we share with our colleagues at Greater Manchester Police is for Mark and Constance’s new-born child.
“We do not wish to interrupt their family life; this search is primarily to ensure the welfare of the couple’s child.
“We are carrying out a number of enquires in and around Colchester in order to locate them. We’re also liaising with colleagues at British Transport Police around potential onward travel from Colchester.
“I would ask the people of Colchester, and indeed wider north Essex, to please familiarise yourself with Mark and Constance’s faces and report any sightings to us immediately.”
