A missing couple and their newborn baby have been spotted in East Ham as police bid to find them.

Detectives are appealing for information on the whereabouts of Constance Marten, 35, Mark Gordon, 48, and their baby.

The vehicle that the trio was travelling in was found broken down near junction four of the M61 near Bolton on January 5.

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When officers attended, no occupants were found in the car and a missing persons investigation was launched.

Officers believe Constance had very recently given birth and neither she nor the baby have been assessed by medical professionals.

There were subsequent sightings of the couple and the baby over the following days in Harwich and Colchester in Essex.

Detectives from Essex Police have established that on the morning of Saturday, January 7, the trio took a taxi from Harwich to East Ham station.

This is the last known sighting of them, police said.

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Det Supt Lewis Basford said: "It has now been more than a week since Constance and Mark’s car broke down on the M61, and we are growing increasingly concerned not only for their welfare, but for the welfare of their newborn child.

"Being on the move for a week must be exhausting for new parents and a newborn baby.

"Constance and Mark, I appeal directly to you, please think of your baby’s health and wellbeing and get in touch with us so we can ensure your child is medically well and has no underlying issues.

"Please do this for your child. You wouldn’t be able to forgive yourself if they became poorly. All we want to do is help you and your baby."

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He added: "This is a fast-moving investigation and we have a number of officers from across the Met carrying out urgent enquiries to find Constance, Mark and their baby.

"The help from members of the public has been invaluable over the past week, and I would appeal to anyone who believes they have seen Constance, Mark or their new-born baby – either in London or further afield – to contact us without delay.

"Together we can ensure they and their newborn baby are safe and well."

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Anyone who has information on the family's whereabouts should call the incident room on 020 7175 0785.

Alternatively, information can be reported anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or crimestoppers-uk.org/.