Cheshire murder: detectives renew appeal for information on 20th anniversary of Tracey Mertens' death
Police have renewed their appeal for information on the 20th anniversary of the death of a woman in a churchyard in Cheshire.
31-year-old Tracey Mertens was doused in petrol and set alight in Eaton churchyard near Congleton on 23 December 1994, dying from burns to her body that day.
Cheshire Police are urging anyone who may have information in relation to the murder to come forward as her family prepares to spend another Christmas without her.
A £30,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for her death still stands.
The mother-of-two, who was living in Rochdale, had travelled down to Birmingham to her former home.
It's believed she initially intended to return the same day but instead ended up staying overnight at her sister-in-law's and visited her former home the next morning.
Shortly before midday on 23 December 1994 she answered a knock at the door and was confronted by two black men who are believed to have spoken with a Jamaican accent.
Police believe Tracey was abducted and bundled into the back of a yellow Ford Escort which was parked outside the address.
Tracey was then driven to Eaton churchyard in Cheshire where she was set on fire and left to die.
A member of the public came to her aid and she was taken to hospital where she was able to tell detectives what had happened to her.
She had sustained 95% burns to her body.
An investigation was launched but no-one has ever been charged in connection with her death.
Detective Inspector Gary McIntyre said: "Tracey met a violent and horrific death at the hands of her killers. She was so brave and told detectives as much as she could before she died.
"That information was vital for the investigation team at the time and numerous lines of enquiry were pursued.
"I do believe that there are still other people out there who may have witnessed what happened either in Birmingham, where Tracey was taken from, or Cheshire, where she was killed, and I would specifically appeal to them to come forward.
"By refreshing people?s memories with a renewed appeal it is hoped that further information could be gained, which could finally help to bring Tracey?s killers to justice."
Anyone with any information should contact the Operation Eaton investigation team on 101. Information can also be passed on anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.