Detectives renew appeal on 30th anniversary of the death of Tracey Mertens

Detectives have renewed their appeal for information on the 30th anniversary of the death of a woman in a churchyard in Cheshire.

Tracey Mertens, 31, was doused in petrol and set alight in Eaton churchyard near Congleton on 23 December 1994 − she sustained horrific burns to her body and died shortly after.

Officers are urging anyone who may have information in relation to her death 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.

“Although extensive enquiries have been completed, including arrests, forensic reviews, and CPS advice, to date no-one has been convicted in relation to the death of Tracey, and the file remains open.

“As an organisation, we continue to review undetected investigations and will always act on any new information. Therefore, as Tracey’s family prepares to spend another Christmas day without her, I would appeal to anyone who has any information about Tracey’s death to get in touch.”

The mother-of-two, who was living in Rochdale at the time, had travelled down to Birmingham on 22 December 1994 to collect a benefits book from her former home in Cattells Grove in Nechells.

It is believed she initially intended to return the same day but instead ended up staying overnight at her sister-in-law′s and visited her former home the next morning.

Shortly before midday on 23 December 1994 she answered a knock at the door of the house in Cattells Grove. She was confronted by two men. Police believe Tracey was abducted and bundled into the back of a yellow Ford Escort, which was parked outside the address.

Tracey was then driven to Eaton churchyard in Cheshire where she was set on fire and left to die.

A member of the public came to her aid and she was taken to hospital where she was able to tell detectives what had happened to her. She had sustained 95% burns to her body and bravely clung to life for a further 12 hours before she sadly died.

Anyone with any information should contact the Operation Eaton investigation team on 101 or via: 

www.cheshire.police.uk/tell-us 

...quoting IML 1983827.

Information can also be passed on anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on:

0800 555 111