The Independent Police Complaints Commission will manage an investigation into the reasons behind the collapse of the Charlene Downes murder trial.

Charlene Downes disappeared in Blackpool in November 2003. Two men stood trial for murder in May 2007 but a jury failed to reach a verdict. A retrial was ordered.

On 9 April 2008 the prosecution decided not to proceed with the case against the two defendants due to issues surrounding evidence. The two men were released subsequently from custody.

Lancashire Constabulary verbally referred the matter to the IPCC on 10 April 2008. The IPCC has now had an opportunity to undertake an assessment of the available information and has decided to manage Lancashire Constabulary’s internal investigation into the matter.

Mike Franklin, IPCC Commissioner for the North West, said: I expect the IPCC managed investigation to give answers to all those involved – the defendants, Lancashire Constabulary and Charlene’s family - as to why the trial could not proceed. The investigation will identify any lessons that can be learned. The IPCC is not reviewing the murder investigation as whole. That is a matter for Lancashire Constabulary."

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Notes for editors:

The IPCC has overall responsibility for the police complaints system. Since April 2006 it has taken on responsibility for similar, serious complaints against HM Revenue and Customs and the Serious Organised Crime Agency in England and Wales. The IPCC’s jurisdiction was extended in 2008 to cover UK Border Agency staff exercising police-like powers.

The IPCC has the task of increasing public confidence in the complaint systems and aims to make investigations more open, timely, proportionate and fair.

The 15 Commissioners who run the IPCC guarantee its independence and by law can never have served as police officers. No Commissioner has worked for HM Revenue and Customs. They are supported by more than more than 200 independent IPCC investigators, casework managers and other specialists.

Since April 1 2004 the IPCC has used its powers to begin 225 independent and 619 managed investigations into the most serious complaints against the police and other agencies. It has set new standards for police forces to improve the way the public's complaints are handled. The Commission also handles appeals by the public about the way their complaint was dealt with by the local force.

The IPCC is committed to getting closer to the communities it serves. Its Commissioners and staff are based in IPCC regional offices in Cardiff, Coalville, London and Sale plus a sub office in Wakefield.

The IPCC web site is constantly updated at www.ipcc.gov.uk or members of the public can contact the IPCC on 08453 002 002.

Media contact:

Ian Christon, IPCC Regional Communications Officer (North region) Tel 0161 246 8582 Journalists with urgent enquiries outside normal office hours should contact the on-call press officer on 07717 851157.