People have expressed their heartbreak after the discovery of Constance Marten's missing baby.

The major police search came to a close last night when officers recovered the infant's remains in woodland.

People living nearby shared their feelings about the news, which has shocked the community of Hollingdean in Brighton since Marten and her partner Mark Gordon were arrested in the area on Monday evening.

They were found without their newborn baby and there followed a desperate two-day hunt for the missing child.

The Argus: A floral tribute outside the cordonA floral tribute outside the cordon (Image: Andrew Gardner / The Argus)

Floral tributes have been left outside the police cordon in Golf Drive, near Stanmer Vilas where the pair were arrested.

Among those paying tribute was 37-year-old Hayley Bolton and her family, from Whitehawk.

She said: " It's genuinely devastating. None of us knew this child, but the sad reality is that nobody ever will.

"I came here today to let the baby know it was loved by the community in Brighton.

"It hits so close to home, and I was shocked when I heard the news."

The Argus: Hayley and her daughter ImogenHayley and her daughter Imogen (Image: Andrew Gardner / The Argus)

Hayley has been following the case since Marten and Gordon were seen in Newhaven on January 8. The next sighting of them was in Brighton in February.

Hayley said: "I was sharing the news on Facebook and people were sharing that as well - we were raising awareness about it.

"There is a feeling of sadness within the community today and when I got out of my car today I was overcome with emotion."

The Argus: Imogen lays some flowers with her motherImogen lays some flowers with her mother (Image: Andrew Gardner / The Argus)

She was with her daughters Imogen, seven, and Leace, 17.

Leace said: "Everyone in this world deserves a chance, but this baby did not get that chance.

"We're especially touched by this since we had a new addition to our family a few days ago so this is devastating to hear."

The Argus: Theresa FowlerTheresa Fowler (Image: Andrew Gardner/ The Argus)

Theresa Fowler, who is a Labour city councillor for Hollingdean and Stanmer, said: "I'm upset and the community is upset about what has happened in our area.

"Everyone searched in their gardens and sheds. We are all shocked."

The Argus: Burstead Close, middle leftBurstead Close, middle left (Image: PA)

A cordon remains in place in the woods behind Lower Roedale Allotments, off Lynchet Close.

Homes in Burstead Close, in Hollingdean, back on to the cordon and resident James Mannion said: "It has hit quite close to home.

"It's an amazing street which is totally surrounded by woodland. There's nowhere else like it.

"It was like a heaven, and now there is just this horrible heaviness over it all.

"It was lovely watching the sunlight beaming through the trees in the morning, but hearing this makes it all feel different.

"We'll get used to it in time, but it's grim."



A mother from Brentwood Crescent said: “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.”

Another neighbour, 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.”

The Argus: Caroline LucasCaroline Lucas

Green MP Caroline Lucas said: "It's desperately sad news to hear that the body of a baby has been found here in Brighton.

"The police must now be allowed to carry out their investigation so we can get to the bottom of this tragic case."

A vigil is set to be held in Stanmer Villas, where Marten and Gordon were arrested on Monday night.

In an event listed on social media platform Facebook, it said: "The residents of Stanmer Villas are going to light a candle in a front window or porch at 7pm tonight.

"We invite anyone else who wants to join in to do this, as a remembrance of the little life lost yesterday."