The major search for the missing two-month-old child of Constance Marten and Mark Gordon has ended in tragedy as police announced they had found the remains of a baby.
Detective Superintendent Lewis Basford from the Metropolitan Police, who led the investigation, told reporters that remains were found in a wooded area.
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.
READ MORE: LIVE: Baby's remains found near where Constance Marten was arrested
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“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.”
The couple remain in custody having been arrested on suspicion of child neglect and gross negligence manslaughter.
They refused to tell police where the baby was, sparking a massive hunt across a wide area of the Sussex countryside.
READ MORE: Constance Marten and Mark Gordon on CCTV before Brighton arrest
More than 200 officers and specialist search teams scoured the area around Stanmer Villas where the couple were finally caught after a tip-off from a member of the public.
They were arrested on suspicion of child neglect, and later on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter after avoiding police for more than seven weeks but were without their child.
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.
READ MORE: Who is Mark Gordon? Boyfriend of Constance Marten arrested
“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 two were on the run for 53 days before being detained in Brighton on Monday, after their car was found in flames by the M61 near Bolton on Jan 5.
READ MORE: M61 couple: Missing aristocrat Constance Marten and partner arrested
Inquiries revealed Marten had given birth recently – possibly one or two days before the incident.
It is believed Marten gave birth to her baby in the car, and neither she nor the child received any medical attention while the family were missing.
Greater Manchester Police established the family had left the car and the motorway safely.
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