Police have concluded their search for the missing baby of Constance Marten and Mark Gordon
The remains of the missing two-month old baby of runaway couple Constance Marten and Mark Gordon have been found after an extensive search by police.
Detective Superintendent Lewis Basford confirmed the news to reporters on Wednesday evening. He said it is “the news that we did not want to hear”. Det Supt Basford of the Met added: “We will do everything we can to make sure we find out what has happened.”
Speaking at Sussex Police headquarters, he said: “It is my very sad duty to update this afternoon, police officers searching a wooded area close to where Constance and Mark Gordon were arrested, discovered the remains of a baby.
“A post mortem examination will be held in due course. A crime scene is in place and work at the location is expected to continue for some time. This is an outcome that myself and that many officers who have been part of this search had hoped would not happen.
“I recognize the impact this news will have on many people who have been following this story closely and can assure them that we will do everything we possibly can to establish what has happened.”
Marten and Gordon remain in custody having been arrested on suspicion of child neglect and gross negligence manslaughter. The police have said it is “imperative” that the public refrain from speculating about what has happened.
Chief Superintendent James Collis from Sussex Police said the announcement will be “heartbreaking” for the local community.
He said: “I would first and foremost like to extend my heartfelt condolences on behalf of Sussex Police to the wider family of the baby at this time. I understand that the conclusion of this search will be heartbreaking for the local community and the wider public who have been impacted by and so supportive of this search and the investigation from the outset.
“I would like to thank again the public, including the member of public whose information led to the arrests, the huge number of people who came forward with information and those that have volunteered to assist with the searches.
“We continue to support the Metropolitan Police as they conduct their investigation and also the wider community as we all come to terms with this tragedy.”
The Met Police said that Marten and Gordon were spotted by Sussex Police in Stanmer Villas, Brighton on Monday evening – with a member of the public coming forward with the sighting just before 9.30pm. Marten, 35, and Gordon, 48, have been travelling the UK via taxi after their care was found aflame on the M61 in Bolton, January 5.
Police had been searching for them after the couple’s baby was born without any healthcare checks taking place.
