Charlene Downes murder suspect arrested after 13 years

A man has been arrested on suspicion of murdering Charlene Downes, more than 13 years after she vanished in Blackpool, Lancashire.

Charlene has not been seen since she kissed her mother goodbye before going to see friends in 2003.

The 51-year-old suspect, who lived in the area at the time of the teenager’s disappearance, is being questioned in custody.

Charlene’s body has never been found and the case has become Lancashire Police’s largest and longest investigation.

Two men were arrested and tried on suspicion of Charlene’s murder in 2007, with prosecutors claiming Charlene’s body was chopped up and had "gone into kebabs".

The men, who owned a takeaway, were given more than £230,000 of compensation after a 2008 retrial collapsed with the prosecution offering no evidence.

Police reopened the investigation into her death in 2013, the 10th anniversary of when she was last seen alive.

Several arrests were made by investigators last year for historical sex offences, but they are said to not be directly related to as Charlene’s disappearance.

A £100,000 reward remains on offer for information leading to the conviction of Charlene’s killer or killers.

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

They can also go to crimestoppers.org or email charlenedownesinvestigation@lancashire.pnn.police.uk

(c) Sky News 2017: Charlene Downes murder suspect arrested after 13 years