It’s November 1, 2003. Charlene Downes (14) and her older sister Rebecca have been on a city trip to central Blackpool.

A CCTV camera captures footage of the sisters walking down Bank Hey Street at 3.25pm ​​that afternoon. This is according to a press release issued by Lancashire Constabulary.

The two sisters stop at the Coral Island amusement park, before the trip continues at a McDonald’s restaurant. At 6:45 p.m., the girls stop at their mother’s house, who is distributing leaflets in Church Street.

Here, the two sisters separate. A few hours later, more precisely at 9:30 p.m., Charlene finds herself with a friend at the Carousel bar. After a short time, the two return to the center and part ways at 11 p.m.

Then all trace of the 14-year-old disappears.

The case was reopened

The police report is believed to be the most comprehensive and detailed ever produced, according to police.

Despite extensive investigations and widespread media coverage, there has been no trace of the 14-year-old since her disappearance in 2003.

The family said goodbye: Then he woke up

Now – 20 years later – the case has been reopened in a new attempt to find the killer.

Two men have been charged

Police say two men were charged with the murder and tried in 2007, but the jury could not reach an agreement and no one was convicted.

During the trial, the prosecution expressed suspicions that Charlene’s body had been “dismembered and skewered”. They also believed that his bones could have been ground up and used as a sealant.

Missing for eight years – rumored shock conflict

Charlene’s mother, Karen Downes, told UK radio LBC London that it was “horrible to hear” the prosecution’s statement in court.

Lack of evidence

A new trial was scheduled, but before it could begin in April 2008, the prosecution discovered a number of problems with the evidence.

The defendants were therefore released.

The Yorkshire Post writes that police believe the 14-year-old may have been killed by a Blackpool gang.

Excellent researcher salary

Andy Webster is investigating the case. His message is clear in the hunt for Charlene’s killer.

– Like a Greek tragedy

– We are doing our best to find Charlene’s killer and her body, despite the fact that more than 15 years have passed since her disappearance. We offered a reward of £10,000 (equivalent to 136,000 Norwegian kroner) for any information leading to a conviction or a search for his remains. He is still available, he said in the police statement.

Hoping for new evidence

Kirsty Bennett, an academic at the University of Leeds who specializes in unsolved cases, and Ronay Crompton from the Justice for Charlene campaign, are now leading a new investigation in the hope of uncovering new evidence.

– Our primary goal is to carefully review Charlene’s case and identify errors and shortcomings, while actively seeking new evidence.

A Lancashire Police spokesperson confirms in a press release that the case has been reopened.

– We encourage anyone with information to contact us.