In 2003, 14-year-old Charlene Downes mysteriously vanished from her hometown of Blackpool. Chilling stories started to spread. And when two men are arrested for murdering Charlene, they are accused of cutting up her body – and using her remains as kebab meat.
The story of what happened to this young girl has haunted Blackpool for more than twenty years. It has twisted and turned, taking in police, paedophiles, and far-right protests. But not all is as it seems – and so much of this story remains hidden in the shadows.
Broadcaster Nicola Thorp is the same age as Charlene. She grew up in Blackpool too. Now, Nicola is revisiting this case – to uncover the truth, and the lies, about what really happened to Charlene.
After all, Somebody knows Something.
If you have any information about the disappearance of Charlene Downes, you can contact us at charlene@thecrimedesk.com.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In 2003, 14-year-old Charlene Downes mysteriously vanished from her hometown of Blackpool. Chilling stories started to spread. And when two men are arrested for murdering Charlene, they are accused of cutting up her body – and using her remains as kebab meat.
The story of what happened to this young girl has haunted Blackpool for more than twenty years. It has twisted and turned, taking in police, paedophiles, and far-right protests. But not all is as it seems – and so much of this story remains hidden in the shadows.
Broadcaster Nicola Thorp is the same age as Charlene. She grew up in Blackpool too. Now, Nicola is revisiting this case – to uncover the truth, and the lies, about what really happened to Charlene.
After all, Somebody knows Something.
If you have any information about the disappearance of Charlene Downes, you can contact us at charlene@thecrimedesk.com.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Investigating a two decades old case in Blackpool.
Somebody knows something.
Join The Crime Desk to hear all episodes in this gripping new series as soon as it launches, later this summer. Plus, you'll get exclusive weekly bonus episodes of our award-winning podcast The Trial, ad-free listening across all of our shows, and early access to brand-new series like our high-stakes investigative series, Heists, Scams & Lies. Become a member today at thecrimedesk.com.
If you have any information about the disappearance of Charlene Downes, you can contact us at charlene@thecrimedesk.com.
Join The Crime Desk to hear all episodes of Charlene: Somebody Knows Something straight away. Plus, you'll get exclusive weekly bonus episodes of our award-winning podcast The Trial, ad-free listening across all of our shows, and early access to brand-new series like our investigative series, Heists, Scams & Lies. Become a member today at thecrimedesk.com.
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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.