A community is in shock as the major police search for a missing baby continues.

People living in Hollingdean, Brighton, are concerned that aristocrat Constance Marten and her partner Mark Gordon, who had been on the run from police, were arrested in their neighbourhood, a councillor told The Argus. 

Theresa Fowler, Labour councillor for Hollingdean and Stanmer ward, said: "We are all shocked. We are anxious and upset about the baby."

The newborn infant was not with the couple when they were arrested in Stanmer Villas, Brighton, on Monday night. 

More than 200 officers from the Metropolitan and Sussex Police have been searching for the child for the past two nights. 

Cllr Fowler said: "The whole community have been searching in their sheds and gardens. They are really worried."

In a press conference yesterday evening, Detective Superintendent Lewis Basford of the Metropolitan Police confirmed that the couple, initially arrested for child neglect, have been further arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter.

Det Supt Basford said: “We feel the risk is getting so great we now have to consider the possibility that the baby has now come to harm.

“We still remain focused on an open land search to find the baby safe and well.”

He raised concerns for the baby’s health given the cold weather in the area.

Officers are desperately searching 91 square miles of open land between Newhaven and Brighton.

Police said the couple, who have refused to give any information about the baby, including its gender, had spent a “considerable amount of time outdoors” and had a substantial amount of cash on them.

Police expressed their gratitude to the public for their co-operation as the investigation continues. They urged people to check their outbuildings and contact 101 or 999 if they have any information that may help find the baby.

Cllr Fowler said: "The police have been very proactive and it is reassuring to see the scale of the search.

"The whole community needs to be vigilant - if they walk their dogs in the woods, or notice anything strange they should call the police."

An increased police presence will remain in the area while the search continues.