A cold case team is 'on the hunt for fresh leads' as they look into the disappearance of the suspected murdered teen Charlene Downes.
The 14-year-old vanished on November 1, 2003, when she failed to show up at her home in Blackpool. Ahead of the 20th anniversary of her disappearance, a cold case unit from Leeds Trinity University said it is re-examining the evidence.
As reported by the Mirror, police over the years have tied the case to a child sex ring in the town who they suspect had been grooming her. Two men were charged and tried, but nobody was ever convicted.
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Disturbing claims emerged during the 2007 trial that Charlene was murdered and dismembered before her body was used in takeaway kebabs. However, the jury were unable to reach a verdict in the case.
Dr Kirsty Bennett, a lecturer at the university specialising in cold cases, will work with Ronay Crompton, from the Justice for Charlene Downes campaign, as they say the teen was "let down" by the system designed to protect her.
Ronay Crompton said: “Our main aim is to review Charlene’s case and see where the failings are and go out to get new evidence. Blackburn Uni also approached us to undertake large child sexual exploitation (CSE) project for whole of Lancashire to find out the scale of the problem, and where children are being failed.”
He continued: “Charlene was failed by everyone that should have kept her safe. The police, social services, they all let her down. We’re trying to build a legacy and fight for real justice for her, so she can be remembered for something positive.”
Charlene came to Blackpool from the Midlands with parents Bob and Karen and brother Robert when she was 10, before she disappeared four years later. Her body has never been found.
While the case remains unsolved, police say it is still open and detectives remain open to hearing any new information which could help put those responsible behind bars.
A £100,000 reward is still on offer from the police for information leading to the conviction of Charlene’s killer.
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