Brighton: baby found in woodland "dead for some time" say police

Police questioning Constance Marten and Mark Gordon believe the remains of a baby found in woodland in Brighton "may have been dead for some time".

Officers have also been unable to confirm the infant's gender and a post-mortem examination has not yet taken place.

It is "too early" to provide a specific date of death, the Metropolitan Police said.

Speaking at a news conference on Thursday, Detective Superintendent Lewis Basford also said the case has been referred to the police watchdog.

He said: "At this stage we have not yet been able to confirm the baby's gender and post-mortem examination has not yet taken place.

"Despite this, based on our inquiries we've carried out so far, we believe sadly the baby may have been dead for some time before they were found.

"It is too early for us to provide a more specific date.

"Because we believe the death occurred during the course of a missing person investigation we have made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

"This is standard protocol for such circumstances."

Floral tributes have been left nearby by people who live in the area at Hollingdean.

One mother-of-two, 37, who did not want to be named told the PA news agency: "Parents are concerned about what they are hearing and what is going to be said at school.

"Everyone is a bit in shock, we can't quite believe it."

Lilia Robertson, 48, said: "It is awful. We have got young children who have been questioning what is happening.

"I feel worried about going into the wood and that's where I would normally walk."

35-year-old Constance Marten, who is originally from Dorset, and Mark Gordon, 48, were arrested on Monday on suspicion of child neglect after a passer-by spotted them in Brighton.

They were re-arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter the following day.

A statement from Sussex Police said: "We have seen an outpouring of public sorrow after the remains of a baby were found in Brighton.

"Officers made this heart-breaking discovery in a wooded area near to where Constance Marten and Mark Gordon were arrested earlier this week.

"We have been overwhelmed by the messages of kindness and support shown to those involved in this challenging search and investigation.

"The latest developments mean the investigation is moving into a new phase and, while the Metropolitan Police will remain in the area, the large police presence for the search will be scaled back.

"Our neighbourhood officers will continue to be in the local community to offer support and address any concerns.

"We would once again like to thank the public for their patience and support throughout this operation, and express our gratitude to the huge number of people who helped, or offered to help, in any way that they could. It is truly appreciated.

"We will continue to support the Metropolitan Police’s enquiries, and ask that the investigation is given the space to proceed as we establish the full facts of what has happened."

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