Missing Constance Marten and partner found but search for baby continues

Wealthy drama student had travelled UK with convicted sex offender, avoiding police, since motorway car fire on January 5

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  Police search allotments in Brighton, trying to find Constance Marten's missing baby, who has not had any medical attention since birth in early January. PA

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  Ms Marten and her partner Mark Gordon, seen above on CCTV in London in January, are in police custody after being arrested in Brighton. PA

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  Constance Marten, above, and her partner Mark Gordon, a convicted sex offender, were found in Brighton almost two months after they were last seen. PA

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  Mr Gordon served 20 years in prison in the US for rape and battery committed when he was 14. PA

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  Officers from London Search and Rescue search Wild Park Local Nature Reserve in Brighton. PA

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  Police speaking to the media outside Roedale Valley Allotments. PA

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  A child's earmuffs are collected by a police officer in Roedale Valley Allotments. PA

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  Ms Marten and Mr Gordon had been travelling around by taxi since their car was found burning on the M61 in Bolton on January 5. PA

A couple who disappeared in England with their newborn baby have been found and arrested, but the child remains missing, said police.

Constance Marten, 35, and her partner Mark Gordon, 48, a convicted sex offender, were located in Brighton almost two months after they were last seen.

Hundreds of police have been involved in the search for the baby, who has been without medical attention since birth in January.

Officers from Sussex Police arrested the couple in Stanmer Villas, Brighton on Monday night, following a tip-off from a member of the public. They remain in custody and are being questioned, police told the BBC.

With bad weather forecast, Det Ch Insp Lewis Basford said people in the search area should look for signs of the baby and check sheds and outhouses.

“We've seen the change in the weather forecast since January 5. My concern, as always, has been the baby being exposed to the elements,” he said.

Ms Marten and Mr Gordon have been travelling around the UK by taxi since their car was found burning on the M61 in Bolton, Greater Manchester, on January 5.

CCTV image taken in January shows the couple in London. Photo: Metropolitan Police

Authorities believed they were sleeping rough in a blue tent and had avoided being traced by the police by moving around frequently and keeping their faces covered in CCTV images.

The couple travelled from Bolton to Liverpool, then to Harwich in Essex, east London and Newhaven in Sussex, where they were seen near the ferry port on January 8.

Ms Marten, who is from a wealthy aristocratic family, was a promising drama student when she first met Mr Gordon in 2016.

Since then the couple have led an isolated life, and in September, when Ms Marten was well into her pregnancy, began moving around rental flats.

Mr Gordon served 20 years in prison in the US for rape and battery committed when he was 14.

It is unknown if their baby was full-term or has any health issues.

In an appeal a week ago, Shereen Nimmo, director of midwifery for Barts Health NHS Trust, urged the couple to bring the baby in for checks.

A £10,000 reward was offered in the search for Constance Marten, her newborn baby and her convicted sex offender partner. PA

“You're putting your baby at risk by not accessing medical care, so it's really important that you come and see a midwife, doctor or another healthcare professional as soon as possible,” she said.

“Babies need a safe, warm environment and all new mums are given information about safe sleeping for their baby to prevent sudden infant death syndrome.

“Please do the right thing for your baby and go to your nearest healthcare facility so my caring colleagues can take care of you and your baby. All we want to do is help you.”

Anyone who may be able to assist in the search for the couple's baby is urged to contact 999.