The police presence in the city will be scaled back following the discovery of a baby’s remains.

Chief Superintendent James Collis of Sussex Police said the large-scale police presence around Brighton will be scaled back as the investigation over Constance Marten and Mark Gordon’s baby moves into a “new phase”.

During a press briefing in Golf Drive, Brighton, this afternoon, he said police had been “overwhelmed by kind messages and support” from the public as they carried out the search for the infant.

“The latest developments mean that the investigation is moving into a new phase and while the Metropolitan Police will remain in the area, the larger police presence for the search will be scaled back,” he said.

He thanked “the huge number of people who have helped or offered to help in any way that they can”, adding: “It is truly appreciated.”

Constance Marten and Mark Gordon were arrested in Stanmer Villas, Brighton, at about 9.30pm on Monday, February 27, after a member of the public saw them in a shop in Hollingbury Place.

They were initially arrested on suspicion of child neglect. They were later further arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter. They remain in custody at police stations in Sussex.

The warrant of further detention that was granted yesterday is in place until late this evening.