Charlene Downes detectives make sex offence arrest

Police investigating the disappearance of Blackpool schoolgirl Charlene Downes have arrested a man on suspicion of a historical sex offence.

The 67-year-old man from Blackpool was arrested on suspicion of rape of a child. The offence was allegedly committed in 2003 when the female victim was 14-years-old.

The arrest was made by the team of detectives investigating the disappearance of Charlene Downes in Blackpool 2003. Detectives believe she was murdered.

Police say there is no suggestion that this latest arrest is directly connected.

Charlene was 14-years-old when she was last seen in Blackpool on November 1st 2003. There have been no convictions in relation to her disappearance.

Earlier this month detectives investigating her disappearance and murder released footage of the teenager on the day she vanished.

More: New images in hunt for murdered teenager Charlene Downes

The investigation is one of the constabulary’s largest and longest running inquiries and is examining both the disappearance and murder and the wider issue of child sexual exploitation in Blackpool.

A £100,000 reward for information – put up by Clive Grunshaw, Lancashire’s Police and Crime Commissioner – remains in place as detectives continue to probe the case.

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers.org they can email:charlenedownesinvestigation@lancashire.pnn.police.uk