Police investigating the case of Constance Marten and Mark Gordon, who were arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter, believe the baby whose remains were found in woodland may have been dead “for some time”. The couple remain in custody and the case has been referred to the police watchdog.
Det Supt Lewis Basford from the Metropolitan Police said that investigators need “time and space to establish more details about the circumstances of this tragic death”, and that it is too early to provide a specific date for when the baby may have died. He added that the officers are “truly devastated by this outcome”.
The 53-day search began when the couple’s car was found on fire by the side of a motorway near Bolton on 5 January. A massive search involving hundreds of officers was conducted, with a fingertip search extending east of Brighton to Newhaven, north of the town centre into a nature reserve and beyond to the South Downs. Witnesses told the BBC that teams were searching through thick bramble, allotments and bins, while people living in the area were asked to look out for anything unusual.
The last confirmed sighting of the couple prior to their arrest was in Newhaven on 8 January. Their baby was with them and alive at that time, according to police.
Ms Marten is from a privileged background and lived in a stately home growing up. She became estranged from her family in 2016 after meeting Gordon at drama school.
The investigation into the baby’s death has been a difficult one, with many unanswered questions. Police have not yet been able to confirm the baby’s gender. Floral tributes have been left nearby by people living in the area.
The Metropolitan Police have said that they need time and space to establish more details about the circumstances of this tragic death. The couple remain in custody, and the case has been referred to the police watchdog. The search for answers is ongoing, and officers are truly devastated by this outcome.