Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has issued an appeal to “parents and members of the public” in the search for a missing couple and their newborn baby.
The couple, which investigating officers have named as Constance Marten and Mark Gordon, are both missing, along with their newborn baby, after their vehicle broke down close to Junction 4 of the M61 near Farnworth in Bolton last night (Thursday 5 January 2023).
GMP says the family left the vehicle and the motorway safely.
Before going missing, the Ms Marten and Mr Gordon were said to have been seen walking to the Anchor Lane bridge, which links the Highfield and Little Hulton areas near Salford, after their vehicle broke down.
Mr Gordon was wearing dark clothing, and Constance – who has a southern accent – was wearing a burgundy coat, and carrying the swaddled newborn.
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Police say evidence suggests that Ms Marten has very recently given birth, and neither her or the baby have been assessed by medical professionals.
An appeal for witnesses and information has now been issued to help locate the family.
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“As a mum, I would like to make a direct appeal to Constance,” said GMP’s Head of Public Protection Chief Superintendent, Michaela Kerr.
“Constance, I know this is an exceptionally hard time for you and you are likely feeling scared but I promise that our number one priority is the same as yours – to keep your beautiful new born safe. As you know, it’s really important that both you and your baby are assessed by medical professionals as soon as possible so please make contact with emergency services or make your way to your nearest hospital, wherever that may be.
“I would also like to appeal to members of the public – not just in Bolton, but across Greater Manchester and beyond.
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“If you have any information about this family’s whereabouts, please do nothing more than contact emergency services.”
Anyone with information should contact Greater Manchester Police, either via 999 quoting 2657 05/01/23, or online via gmp.police.uk.
Information can also be shared anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Featured Image – GMP
News
Arrest made after 14-year-old boy found in critical condition on Market Street
Daisy Jackson
An arrest has been made after a teenage boy was found unresponsive on Market Street in Manchester city centre.
Detectives believe that the boy, 14, was approached by seven males who stole a designer jacket from him.
Following the altercation, he went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
Thankfully, the teenager is continuing to recover well.
Detectives from Manchester City Centre Criminal Investigation Department confirmed that an 18-year-old male was arrested yesterday, Thursday 20 February.
He has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remains in police custody.
Detective Inspector Mark Astbury of GMP’s City Centre Criminal Investigation Department, said: “We hope the victim can continue his recovery following what must have been a terrifying ordeal for him.
“Officers are fully investigating all aspects of this shocking incident that has left a man with serious injuries in hospital.
“Our work doesn’t stop here, we are continuing to investigate this incident and information from the public plays an incredibly important role in our investigations and I ask that the community keep talking to us and keep sharing their concerns with us so our teams can act.”
If you have any information, contact GMP 101 or 0161 856 4305 quoting log 2854 of 16/2/25.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials
Emily Sergeant
Trials are currently underway to see if comedy could be an alternative to antidepressants as a way to reduce NHS costs.
UK tech company Craic Health has secured important funding for its ‘comedy on prescription’ project that’s aimed at helping the Government work with the comedy industry, communities, and organisations on comedy-based social prescriptions in the hope that they can solve financial struggles within the NHS.
The groundbreaking scheme uses stand-up shows and workshops to help people who are isolated, lonely, and vulnerable.
Craic believes comedy is an ‘untapped opportunity’ to improve health and wellbeing, and has a goal to make comedy easier to access, so that it can help communities experience its mental health and social benefits.
To achieve this, the company has started trialling Comedy-on-Prescription experiences in the UK – starting in London, with the potential for expansion – which includes things like curated comedy panel game show events and workshops, and general stand-up comedy shows at some of the capital’s world-famous venues.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“Mental health issues like loneliness, isolation, and stress are more common than ever,” the company explains.
“So much so that it’s projected that by 2030, mental health problems, particularly depression, will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, [but] in this challenging world, comedy stands out as a universal language that breaks barriers.
“Research shows that comedy and laughter have powerful effects – they bring people together, create positive connections, and make life more enjoyable.”
Craic Health says that social prescribing, of which Comedy-on-Prescription is a part of, is all about inclusivity, which makes it making it suitable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Its focus is on personalised support, tailored to individual needs and preferences.
Emily Sergeant -
6th January 2023 
