CCTV footage (Charlene is on far right); Jeans
Name: Charlene Elizabeth Caroline Downes
Case Classification: Endangered Missing
Missing Since: November 1, 2003
Location Last Seen: Blackpool, Lancashire, England
Date of Birth: March 25, 1989
Age: 14 years old
Race: White
Gender: Female
Height: 5'1"
Weight: Slim build
Hair Color: Brown, shoulder length
Eye Color: Blue
Nickname/Alias: Unknown
Distinguishing Marks/Features: Unknown
Dentals: Unknown
Fingerprints: Unknown
DNA: Unknown
Clothing: Dark jeans with a gold eagle design on the front (see photo); black long-sleeve shirt with a white diamond pattern; black boots
Jewelry: Unknown
Additional Personal Items: Unknown
Charlene was last seen November 1, 2003, around 11:00 p.m. by a friend when they parted company near Talbot Road and Abingdon Street. There has been no trace of Charlene since her disappearance.
Two men faced trial in May 2007, but the jury failed to reach a verdict. A retrial was ordered, but prior to the start of the trial in April 2008, the Crown Prosecution Service formally offered no evidence.
The Lancashire Police state that there is evidence Charlene was a victim of child sexual exploitation prior to her death.
In August 2017, a man was arrested on suspicion of Charlene's murder but was released a few days later. He remains under investigation.
Agency Name: Lancashire Police
Agency Contact Person: Det. Chief Superintendent Andy Webster
Agency Phone Number: 01253 607370
Agency E-Mail: charlenedownesinvestigation(at)lancashire.pnn.police.uk
Agency Case Number: N/A
Lancashire Police
Interpol
Missing People
BBC News
Added: 2/1/22; Last Updated: 2/1/22 - By: hb
Questions or comments? Please contact appropriate member of the Area Team
** Listed information is from the time of disappearance.
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