A MISSING school girl died within hours of her disappearance, the man who led the murder inquiry told a jury.

Former Detective Superintendent Paul Buschini said they had hoped for the best, but feared the worst over 14 -year-old Charlene Downes who vanished in November 2003.

He described the investigation as the most protracted and largest inquiry Lancashire Constabulary had conducted into a suspected homicide.

Iyad Albattikhi, 30, who was living in Blackburn and commuting to Blackpool to run Funny Boyz kebab shop in the resort at the time of her disappearance, denies murder.

Mohammed Reveshi, 50, denies helping to dispose of her body.

Charlene from Buchanan Street, Blackpool, went missing after telling her mum she would not be late home. Her body has never been found.

Mr Buschini, who led the inquiry before his retirement last autumn, told the jury at Preston Crown Court, that over 7,000 people were spoken to in the course of the investigation, and over 3,000 exhibits taken.

He said there were over 300 alleged sightings of Charlene, but none were corroborated.

The court has also heard that two handwritten letters, in abusive terms, were found at Charlene's home.

One included the words "you should be in a box underground. Get out of Blackpool", "You have been warned".

Mr Buschini said it was believed one letter was from a girl of similar age whom Charlene had had "a bit of a spat with", although the girl denied being responsible.

It was thought the other letter may have been in Charlene's handwriting.

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