Police concern for a missing couple and their newborn baby is mounting after the car they were travelling in was found on fire almost two weeks ago.

Detectives are urging the public to get in contact with information on the whereabouts of Constance Marten, 35, Mark Gordon, 48, and their baby.

Essex Police placed the couple near East Ham Station between 10.30am and 12.30pm on January 7.

READ MOREMissing couple and newborn baby sighted in east London

This was the last confirmed sighting of the family.

Their vehicle was found broken down and on fire near junction four of the M61 near Bolton on January 5.

When officers attended, no occupants were found and a missing persons investigation was launched.

It is believed that most of the trio's belongings were destroyed in the car fire.

Constance had recently given birth, possibly one or two days before, and had not been assessed by medical professionals, said the Met.

Det Supt Lewis Basford said: "It has now almost been two weeks since Mark and Constance’s car broke down on the M61 near Bolton and they have been on the move all that time with a newborn baby.

"As far as we are aware, neither Constance nor the baby have received medical attention since it was born.

"Our priority is to ensure the baby, and indeed both Constance and Mark, are safe and well.

Det Supt Basford also appealed directly to Constance and Mark to "do the right thing for your baby" by getting in touch with the Met.

He added: "This is a complex investigation with officers from across the Met continuing to work around the clock to find Constance, Mark and their baby.

"There is nothing to suggest that any of them have come to any sort of intentional harm – we just need to ensure they are okay, especially the baby, and do not require any medical assistance for any underlying issues.

"The last confirmed sighting of them was more than a week ago in East Ham – they could now be anywhere in the UK, which is why it is vital that members of the public continue to contact us with any suspected sightings.

"The assistance you’ve provided so far has been invaluable.

"Please don’t forget about Constance, Mark and the baby – if you see them or think you have seen them then please contact us as a matter of urgency."

Anyone who has information on the family’s whereabouts should call the incident room on 020 7175 0785.

Alternatively, information can be reported 100 per cent anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.