Charlene team make fresh arrests

Police investigating the disappearance and murder of Charlene Downes in Blackpool have today arrested three men on suspicion of historical sex offences.
New CCTV footage showing Charlene Downes was released last monthNew CCTV footage showing Charlene Downes was released last month
New CCTV footage showing Charlene Downes was released last month

Two men, aged 29 and 44, were arrested at addresses in Blackburn and Wesham. A man aged 34 was produced from prison.

The 34 year old has been arrested on suspicion of rape and the 29 and 44 year olds on suspicion of aid/abet rape.

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The offences were allegedly committed between 2009 and 2010 and the victim was a 23 year old woman.

The arrests have been made by the team of detectives investigating the disappearance of Charlene Downes in Blackpool in 2003 and her subsequent murder, although there is no suggestion that these latest arrests are directly connected.

Charlene was just 14 years old when she was last seen in Blackpool on Saturday November 1st 2003.

A £100,000 reward on offer for information leading to the conviction of her killer or killers or the recovery of her body, nobody has ever been brought to justice.

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In June detectives working on the Charlene Downes inquiry arrested two men on suspicion of historic sex offences.

Kashif Gul, 39, of Foxhall Road, Blackpool, is charged with rape, attempted rape, gross indecency with a child and indecency with a child. He is due to go on trial next week.

A 50 year old man from Blackpool arrested on suspicion of indecent assault and taking indecent images of a child and was bailed but is now wanted after failing to answer his bail.

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers.org they can email: [email protected]