A cold case team is taking a fresh look at the suspected murder of schoolgirl Charlene Downes ahead of the 20th anniversary of her disappearance.
The 14-year-old vanished on November 1, 2003, when she failed to show up at her home in Blackpool.
Police over the years have tied to the case to a child sex ring in the town who they suspect had been grooming her with two men charged and tried, although tragically nobody has ever been convicted.
Disturbing claims emerged during the 2007 trial that Charlene was murdered and dismembered before her body was used in takeaway kebabs and her bones crushed into tile grout - however the jury were unable to reach a verdict in the case.
Now a cold case unit from Leeds Trinity University says it is re-examining the evidence and is on the hunt for fresh leads.
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 said about the collaboration: “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.”
“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.
In further tragedy for the family, her brother Robert died last year after never getting over her disappearance.
Her disappearance resulted in a horrifying picture emerging of ongoing child sexual exploitation in towns such as Blackpool, the horrors of which continue to be felt today.
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.
A spokesman for Lancashire Police said: “The case remains open and we would appeal for anyone with information to contact us.”
A Blackpoool Council spokesperson added: “Tackling any type of exploitation of our young people is a high priority for the council.
“The Awaken project, which was set up in the wake of Charlene’s disappearance, was one of the first teams in the country to combine the resources of the police, social services and health to tackle Child Sexual Exploitation.
“Since it was established in 2003 hundreds of vulnerable young people have been identified and protected from harm and offenders brought to justice.”
