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
Entire tram line suspended due to overhead line damage at Old Trafford
Daisy Jackson
Metrolink trams along the Altrincham line have been suspended due to damage to an overhead line near Old Trafford.
The damage, caused by a third party, has caused significant disruption for commuters across the Greater Manchester region this afternoon.
No Metrolink tram services are operating between Altrincham and Piccadilly, in either direction.
Large queues are already forming for buses at Piccadilly Gardens as people attempt to get home.
Engineers have arrived on site to try and fix the issue, but ‘significant disruption’ is expected to continue into the evening.
TfGM and Metrolink have also deployed staff to assist people with their journeys at all stops in the city centre as well as at Old Trafford, Trafford Bar, and Cornbrook.
Trams between Bury and Deansgate-Castlefield are unaffected.
Ticket acceptance is in place on the 245, 255, 256, 263, 281 and 285 bus services and on Northern Rail services between Altrincham and the city centre. Simply show the driver your Metrolink ticket or pass when boarding.
You can plan the rest of your journey online using the TfGM journey planner here.
Pubs can extend their opening hours if England make it to the Euro 2024 semi-finals
Emily Sergeant
Pubs are to be permitted to extend their opening hours if England make it through to the semi-finals of EURO 2024 this summer.
With the Premier League, and the English and Scottish football leagues, all drawing to a close over the next couple of weeks, our nations are already looking ahead to what is gearing up to be a massive summer of sport – with both the UEFA EURO 2024, and the 2024 Olympics coming up before August is out.
And now, it’s been revealed by Home Secretary James Cleverly that if either England or Scotland’s mens national football teams make it to the semi-final of European football’s flagship tournament, then pubs will be allowed to stay open for longer.
But, there’s a bit of a catch… because isn’t there always?
The Government has said that venues will be allowed to stay open for an extra two hours on match days if either or both teams reach the last four or the final of the competition, but this only applies to pubs that already have a license to open until 11pm anyway.
Pubs can extend their opening hours if England make it to the Euro 2024 semi-finals / Credit: Piqsels | Wikimedia Commons
The move to extend opening hours comes after a consultation at the end of last year, and is hoped to provide a boost to the hospitality industry – which has notably been hit hard during the ongoing cost of living crisis.
The Home Secretaries in England and Wales, under Section 172 of the Licensing Act 2003, can make an order relaxing licensing hours to mark occasions of “exceptional national significance”, but the Scottish and Northern Irish Governments have to set their own rules.
“We have listened to the public through our consultation,” explained Home Secretary James Cleverley, “and we will be extending pub licensing hours should England or Scotland reach the semi-finals or final of Euro 2024.”
The EURO 2024 semi-finals are to be held on Tuesday 9 and Wednesday 10 July / Credit: UEFA
Mr Cleverley said the move will “allow friends, families and communities to come together for longer to watch their nation hopefully bring it home”.
This legislation is set to be laid in Parliament today (Wednesday 8 May) to ensure there is enough time for it to be debated and passed before the tournament begins on Friday 14 June, the Government has confirmed.
Emily Sergeant -
6th January 2023 
