Charlene: Somebody Knows Something

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.

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Last refreshed: November 2nd, 2025 at 2:59 PM ⓘ

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Episodes

The Trial - Episode 2

The episode chronicles the dramatic trial of Mohamed Raveshi and Ayad Albatiki, accused of Charlene Downes' murder, highlighting the "bad character" evidence and the prosecution's key surveillance tapes. Despite the shocking audio, the trial ends in a hung jury, leading to the eventual collapse of the case due to disputed evidence quality. The episode also debunks the persistent and damaging "kebab story" rumor, and sets the stage for a direct interview with one of the accused.

Oct 30, 2025•26 min•Season 1Ep. 2

Bright Lights and Dark Alleyways - Episode 1

Twenty years after Charlene Downes vanished from Blackpool, broadcaster Nicola Thorp revisits the haunting case, starting with the immediate aftermath and the police's initial classification of Charlene as a runaway. As the investigation deepens, a shocking network of child sexual exploitation involving multiple takeaways and dozens of vulnerable girls in the town centre is exposed, forcing a re-evaluation of the widely known, gruesome "kebab girl" story. The episode explores the police's struggles and the victim's experiences within this hostile environment.

Oct 30, 2025•32 min•Season 1Ep. 1

Coming soon... Charlene

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 a...

Apr 23, 2025•1 min

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