Fresh appeal over missing girl

Charlene has not been seen in three weeks

A 14-year-old girl who has been missing from Blackpool since Halloween may have gone to Greater Manchester or the West Midlands, police believe.

Charlene Downes, of Buchanan Street, Blackpool, has not been seen since the early hours of 1 November.

She had left home saying that she was going to the Carousel bar on North Pier with friends.

Police have renewed an appeal about her whereabouts and say she may be in the Oldham or Denton areas of Greater Manchester or in Wolverhampton in the West Midlands.

Detective Superintendent Paul Buschini, of Lancashire Police, said 20 officers were working on the investigation.

Following leads

DS Buschini said: "We are growing more concerned for Charlene by the day as it is totally out of character for her to stay away from home for this length of time.

"We do have information that suggests Charlene has friends in Oldham, Denton and Wolverhampton and are keen for anyone in these areas who may have seen her since she was last seen three weeks ago to contact police at Blackpool."

Anybody with information can also contact the National Missing Persons Helpline on 0500-700-700.

Charlene is described as white, 5ft 1in tall, slim, with straight shoulder-length dark brown hair and blue eyes.

When last seen she was wearing a black jumper with white diamonds, black jeans with gold eagles on the front and black boots.