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Police 'failed' in missing Blackpool girl case
A PROBE into the handling of the Charlene Downes murder inquiry has criticised police at the centre of the investigation.
The report by the Independent Police Complaints Commission said officers had been guilty of "strategic and tactical failure" in the management of evidence.
They were also criticised for failing to keep proper records, transcribe evidence or ensure the integrity of the evidence used in the case.
The use of inexperienced and untrained officers during the investigation also came under fire in the report.
Charlene went missing in November 2003 when she was aged just 13.
Despite a massive police operation she has not been seen since.
A murder probe was launched and two men faced a trial accused of murdering Charlene and helping dispose of the body.
Following an 11-week trial, a jury failed to reach a decision and a retrial was ordered.
On the eve of that hearing, the police's case collapsed after their main witness was judged to be unfit to give evidence.
For full story see tomorrow's Gazette
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Weather for Blackpool
Saturday 11 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 1 C to 3 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 4 C to 7 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: West
