The 53-day search for missing mother Constance Marten and her newborn child which began with a burning car

On the evening of January 5th firefighters from Bolton Central and Farnworth stations were mobilised to a burning car on the nearby M61. When they arrived at 6.33pm it was engulfed in flames.

It appeared to be a routine case of dousing the flames of a small vehicle after a dramatic fire. The Peugeot was on the hard shoulder between junctions three and four near Farnworth. Crews used two hose reels, foam, and lighting equipment to put out the fire over 30 minutes. But the owner of the vehicle was not at the scene.

Despite the damage to the scorched car crews made a disturbing find. A placenta was found in the back seat of the charred vehicle. Police believe a baby was born in the car one or two days before.

The vehicle had been bought six days earlier. Travelling in it were the child's parents, aristocrat Constance Marten, and her partner, Mark Gordon. The burning car was the start of an extraordinary nationwide hunt for the family which would go on for 53 days before a major break through.

During that time four different police forces and hundreds of officers would become involved in the search; Mr Gordon's disturbing previous convictions would be revealed along with Ms Marten's family's links to the Royal Family.

The odd couple background of the missing parents meant their disappearance became intriquing news for national newspapers and television. But at the centre of the investigation from day one was authentic concern for the welfare of the child.

Less than 24 hours after the motorway fire was discovered, GMP's Head of Public Protection, Chief Superintendent Michaela Kerr, issued a direct plea to Constance. She said: "As a mum, I would like to make a direct appeal to Constance. Constance, I know this is an