Lancashire Constabulary's assistant chief constable Chris Weigh, has said the investigation into the disappearance of Blackpool schoolgirl Charlene Downes will continue.

In a statement Mr Weigh said: "Yesterday, after careful consideration by the prosecuting counsel and the Crown Prosecution Service the decision was taken that there was insufficient evidence to place before a second jury.

"Some concerns about the evidence were raised by the prosecution and defence teams and we are reflecting on those as a priority today.

"In the meantime, because of our determination to be accountable and transparent, we have referred these concerns to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) for them to take their own view.

"We want to be clear about why we find ourselves in the position where the prosecution had to be halted and if there are lessons to be learned, we will learn from them.

"The criminal investigation into the disappearance of Charlene Downes continues and another Senior Investigating Officer from Lancashire Constabulary's Major Investigation Team will review all the evidence and actions that have been collated so far in order to provide a fresh perspective on how we can take this investigation forward.

"We must not forget in all of this, that there is a family who need to know what has happened to their daughter.

"Charlene's parents cannot rest until they feel that justice has been done and we will continue to support them as the investigation progresses."

It comes after a jury at Preston Crown Court yesterday sensationally cleared Mohammed Reveshi and another man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, in connection with the youngster's murder.

The barrister defending Mr Reveshi, John Bromley-Davenport QC, slammed the police investigation in court, accusing them of manipulation and lying on oath.

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