Charlene Down: A 20-Year Mystery of a Girl Missing Since 2003 in England
By- Priyanka Rai
Charlene Down disappeared at the age
of 14 in Blackpool in 2003
The case is one of
Lancashire Police's
longest-running missing person inquiries
Last seen in a local bar, Charlene was spotted on CCTV at 11pm with another woman
A murder inquiry was launched a year later, leading to arrests, trials, but no convictions
Lancashire Police faced criticism for their handling of the case
Police believe Charlene was one of many girls sexually exploited in Blackpool
Her parents hosted a convicted paedophile on the day of her disappearance
Charlene's brother, Robert Jr., died in 2021 due to a heroin overdose
A fresh appeal for information has been filed by Charlene's parents
They hope for justice or closure and urge anyone with information to come forward