POLICE investigating the disappearance and murder of Charlene Downes in Blackpool have arrested three men on suspicion of historical sex offences.

Two men, aged 29 and 44, were arrested at addresses in Blackburn and Wesham. A 34-year-old man was produced from prison.

The 34-year-old has been arrested on suspicion of rape.

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The other two men have been arrested on suspicion of aid/abet rape.

The offences were allegedly committed between 2009 and 2010 and the victim was a 23-year-old woman.

The arrests have been made by the team of detectives investigating the disappearance of Charlene Downes in Blackpool in 2003 and her subsequent murder, although there is no suggestion that these latest arrests are directly connected.

Charlene was 14-years-old when she was last seen in Blackpool on November 1, 2003.

Despite a £100,000 reward on offer for information leading to the conviction of her killer or killers or the recovery of her body, nobody has ever been brought to justice.

In June detectives working on the Charlene Downes inquiry arrested two men on suspicion of historic sex offences.

Kashif Gul, 39, of Foxhall Road, Blackpool, is charged with rape, attempted rape, gross indecency with a child and indecency with a child. He is due to go on trial next week.

A 50-year-old man from Blackpool arrested on suspicion of indecent assault and taking indecent images of a child and was bailed but is now wanted after failing to answer his bail.

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