Aristocrat's dad's 'immense relief' as she's found but 'alarm' over missing baby
Constance Marten's dad has told of his "immense relief" after his aristocratic daughter was found, but says he is "very alarmed" that her two-month-old baby remains missing.
The couple have been avoiding police since the infant was born in early January, moving around the country, paying for everything in cash and covering their faces when on CCTV.
They were finally arrested at around 9.30pm yesterday on suspicion of child neglect by officers from Sussex Police.
The couple were held in Brighton after a tip-off from a member of the public, but the baby was not with them.
Constance's dad Napier Marten - who previously issued an emotional plea for his daughter's return - has now said he is extremely worried about the infant's welfare.
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Constance Marten and her partner were arrested last night (PA)
They were held in Brighton after a tip-off from a member of the public (pictured: Mr Gordon) (PA)He told The Independent: "It is an immense relief to know my beloved daughter Constance has been found, tempered by the very alarming news her baby has yet to be found.
“For whatever reasons she and her partner went on the run, the consequences of their actions have increased many fold. It would have been far better if they had handed themselves in earlier.”
He said he was “profoundly grateful” to the police for committing “great resources” to searching for his daughter.
“When the time comes, I am longing to see Constance to reassure her that, whatever the weather, I love her dearly and will support her as best I can through the difficult weeks and months here on in,” he added.
The search scene at Roedean Valley Allotments in Brighton today (Adam Gerrard / Daily Mirror)Senior investigating officer Detective Superintendent Lewis Basford told BBC Breakfast that officers from the Metropolitan and Sussex police forces are searching a huge area of land to try to find the infant.
The couple are known to have travelled long distances during the time they have been missing, and were seen in Newhaven a few days ago.
Mr Basford said: "It is a vast area and at present we are looking in the local vicinity to where the couple were arrested last night, seeking a shelter or location for where they may have been holed up and hopefully where the baby is present.
"The arrest location was close to open land and the couple were moving towards that land. And that's why we are focusing heavily on where we are right now.
Officers are searching a huge area of land to try to find the infant (Adam Gerrard / Daily Mirror)"We know that they travel, we know they travel long distances.
"My plea to the members of the public here in Brighton and crossing over towards Newhaven is please be vigilant in the open land where you are, in the outbuildings that you may have on your own property, and assist us in that way by being vigilant."
Mum appeared 'completely normal' moments before vanishing while walking dog
Marten, 35, and Gordon, 48, 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 showed Gordon wearing dark clothing, while Marten was wearing a burgundy coat (Met Police)The couple travelled from Bolton to Liverpool, then to Harwich in Essex, then to east London and then to Newhaven in Sussex, where they were seen near the ferry port on January 8.
They spent time sleeping rough in a blue tent, often moving around at night and in the early hours of the morning to avoid detection.
Marten, who is from a wealthy aristocratic family, was a promising drama student when she first met Gordon in 2016.
Since then the couple have led an isolated life, and in September, as Marten's pregnancy progressed, began moving around rental flats.
Police are urging locals to check sheds and other outbuildings (Adam Gerrard / Daily Mirror)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.
She said: "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.
"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.
Ms Marten, known by friends as 'Toots', comes from a wealthy aristocratic family (Facebook)"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."
At the time, Mr Basford said around 50 officers were working on the case at any one time and more than 630 hours of CCTV had been viewed.
He said there had been more than 350 calls to police from the public with information following previous appeals.
Anyone who may be able to assist in the search for the couple's baby is urged to contact 999.
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