Man is held over murder of girl, 14 ‘put into kebab’
Arrest follows trial’s collapse 10 years ago
A MAN has been arrested on suspicion of murdering a girl who vanished 14 years ago.
Charlene Downes is thought to have been the victim of a paedophile ring.
A previous trial heard fears that her body was chopped up and used as kebab meat.
She went missing aged 14. Her body has never been found.
After being informed that the 51-year-old man was arrested yesterday, Charlene’s mum Karen, 52, said: “When they told me at 8.30am, I just didn’t know what to think and still do not really know what to think now. I just hope there is going to be some justice.”
Charlene vanished in November 2003 in her hometown of Blackpool. The man being held is thought to have been arrested in nearby Preston.
In 2007 a takeaway worker went on trial for murder. A second man was accused of disposing of Charlene’s body.
The jury failed to reach a verdict. A retrial was abandoned and both men were cleared.
A witness claimed a defendant said her remains were put in kebabs.
Karen has accused police of mishandling the case. Three years ago police offered a £100,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of Charlene’s killer or killers.
Charlene was last seen with her sister after kissing her mum goodbye and saying she was going to meet friends.
Charlene’s sister, Emma, 32, said: “I feel a little numb. It’s given us hope, which I’m glad about, but we have been given hope before.
“We have been through this all before and look what happened last time.
“I’ve spoken to my mum about it all and we all want the same thing.
“We want justice for Charlene.”