THIRTY years ago this week a young mother was the victim of one of the UK's most shocking murders. Tracey Mertens, who was living in Rochdale at the time, was doused in petrol and set alight in Eaton churchyard near Congleton on December 23, 1994 - she sustained horrific burns to her body and died shortly after.
The 31-year suffered 95 per cent burns. Despite being in a stricken state in hospital, police said she was 'so brave' and told officers as much as she could before she died 12 hours later on Christmas Eve.
She had moved back to Rochdale from Birmingham with long-term boyfriend Joey Kavanagh just weeks earlier.
Cheshire Police has launched extensive inquiries over the years, including arrests and forensic reviews but no-one has been brought to justice over Tracey's death. Now detectives are again are urging anyone with information which could crack the case to come forward.
Detective Inspector Nigel Reid said: "This week marks the 30th anniversary of Tracey's death - a time that is understandably still very difficult for her family. Tracey met a violent and horrific death at the hands of her killers. She was so brave and told detectives as much as she could before she died.
Esta historia es de la edición December 24, 2024 de Manchester Evening News.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición December 24, 2024 de Manchester Evening News.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Jude's message to former City star on his retirement
JUDE Bellingham has sent a heartfelt message to Jesus Navas after the former City forward played the final game of his professional career on Sunday.
Pep reiterates how difficult it is to find the right players in a January window
PEP Guardiola said that nobody at City looks as good as normal in their losing run as he picked out two players for their efforts.
County boss gets in the festive spirit
STOCKPORT County manager Dave Challinor insists the Hatters will embrace and enjoy the unique challenges of professional football in England over the festive period.
PEP'S NOT READY TO TAKE KLOPP'S ROUTE OUT
CITY manager Pep Guardiola claimed he would ‘sleep better’ when Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp departs and so far, his comments may not be entirely true.
Lewis focused on the biggest challenge of all
England head coach Jon Lewis says his side are in “a really good place” for the upcoming Ashes series in Australia, which he describes as cricket’s “hardest challenge”.
Draper sets sights on hitting the top
US OPEN SEMI-FINAL GAVE BRITISH TALENT A TASTE OF THE BIG TIME
Retail figures look 'disastrous'
THIS Christmas appears to have been “disastrous” for retailers as households battle with ongoing cost-of-living pressures, new figures suggest.
Loyalty card issue for Morrisons
MORRISONS has cut the price of items including turkeys and Champagne for all shoppers, after a system glitch hit its loyalty card yesterday, but some customers may face delayed Christmas orders.
King's focus is on value of health
THE King’s Christmas message will focus on the efforts of healthcare workers, following a year that saw Charles and the Princess of Wales treated for cancer.
Man denies CEO killing
THE man accused of fatally shooting the chief executive of the United States health insurance provider UnitedHealthcare in New York yesterday pleaded not guilty to murder and terror charges, in a state case that will run parallel to his federal prosecution.
