By Samantha Jones-
The remains of Constance Martine’s missing’ baby have been found, police have confirmed.
Detective Superintendent Lewis Basford announced the news to reporters on Wednesday evening. He said it is “the news that we did not want to hear”. Det Supt Basford of the Met added: “We will do everything we can to make sure we find out what has happened.”
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. 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 news comes after a desperate search involving more than 200 officers since she and her boyfriend Mark Gordon were found and arrested on Monday night in Brighton.
Hundreds of police officers and search and rescue experts scoured 90 square miles of the Sussex countryside in a bid to find the baby, who had not had any medical attention since being born in or near a car in Bolton on January 5.
Metropolitan and Sussex police used helicopters, sniffer dogs, thermal imaging cameras and drones.
Marten, 35, who comes from an aristocratic family with royal connections, first went missing with boyfriend Gordon, 48, when their car was found abandoned and on fire at the edge of the M61 on January 5.
The couple travelled around the country by taxi, avoiding police by paying for everything in cash, covering their faces while on CCTV and moving locations frequently, often after dark.
They were finally arrested in Stanmer Villas on Monday, minutes after a member of the public tipped off police, but their baby was not with them.
The pair were arrested on suspicion of child neglect and then later of gross negligence manslaughter.
Speaking to reporters, Met Detective Superintendent Lewis Basford said: “This is an outcome that myself and that many officers who have been part of this search had hoped would not happen.
“I recognise 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.”
A post-mortem examination will be held in due course, he added, while further work by officers at the location will continue.
Police search teams searched in Roedale Valley Allotments, Brighton Image: PA
Marten and Gordon remain in custody having been arrested on suspicion of child neglect and gross negligence manslaughter. The police have said it is “imperative” that the public refrain from speculating about what has happened.
Mr Basford urged members of the public to avoid “speculation and comments online” that could be prejudicial to court proceedings.
Chief Superintendent James Collis from Sussex Police said the announcement would be “heartbreaking” for the local community.
“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.”