Baby's welfare is priority in missing couple search, police say

An image released believed to be of Constance Marten in Essex was released by police

Police searching for a missing couple and a newborn baby have said they are determined to establish the child "is alive and well".

Constance Marten and Mark Gordon have not been seen since their car broke down on the M61 near Bolton on Thursday.

Police said Ms Marten had recently given birth and neither she nor the baby had been medically assessed.

Essex Police said they wanted to check the infant was "medically well".

Det Ch Insp Rob Huddleston said: "As we have said previously, from our perspective this search is about the young child's welfare,

"We know some elements of the public may see police involvement as unwelcome and I would seek to assure you that we do not wish to impose ourselves for any reason other than to make sure the newborn baby is alive and well.

"I am a parent myself and I know the bond a mother and father have with their child, but I would appeal directly to Mark and Constance to put the welfare of their child first."

Constance Marten and Mark Gordon have been missing since last week

Essex Police said officers remained "extremely focused" in finding the couple and had reviewed CCTV from across Colchester had number of confirmed sightings in the city.

The force said it was following several strong lines of enquiry and a leaflets identifying the couple are being delivered across the city.

A CCTV image believed to be of Ms Marten near Harwich Port in Essex, was released on Saturday.

In a direct appeal to the baby's mother, Det Ch Insp Huddleston said: "To you, Constance, medical professionals still need to assess your baby to make sure he or she is medically well and there no underlying issues for which he or she may need help for.

"Indeed, medical professionals would like to examine you for the same reasons.

"Please, get in contact any way you would like to. We are here and ready to help you."

Anyone with information is asked to contact police.