INVESTIGATING officers have visited “every single hotel” in Colchester in their search for a mum who has gone missing with her partner and their new-born baby.

Essex Police are continuing in their efforts to track down Constance Marten and Mark Gordon, who disappeared last Thursday, January 5 with their child.

Ms Marten, Mark Gordon and the baby have been missing since their vehicle broke down near junction four of the M61, near Bolton, Lancashire.

The incident was being dealt with by Greater Manchester Police but fell under the jurisdiction of Essex Police after sightings were reported in Colchester.

Ms Marten was also seen wrapped in a large red scarf at the Harwich Port.

Harwich and Manningtree Standard:

It is understood Ms Marten had very recently given birth but neither she nor the baby had been assessed by medical professionals at the time of them going missing.

The force’s search for the trio continued overnight, with officers reviewing hours of CCTV from across Colchester and securing a number of confirmed sightings.

Officers also visited "every single hotel and bed and breakfast in the city" and are continuing to liaise with transport companies.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “Work is continuing today and leaflets identifying Mark and Constance are being delivered across the city.

“We remain extremely focused on doing all we can to find them and to ensure their new-born baby is medically well.”

Harwich and Manningtree Standard:

Rob Huddleston, detective chief inspector for Essex Police, has stressed the search is about the welfare of the young child as much as anything else.

He said: “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 new-born 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.

READ MORE: Detectives believe missing mum and newborn baby were last seen in Colchester

“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 on the whereabouts of the family should call us on 101 immediately.