Charlene Downes' parents Bob and Karen Downes open up about ongoing abuse and trolling from the public 20 years since disappearance

Bob Downes says people are too ‘quick to judge’ him based on some of his previous drinking buddies.

The father of Charlene spoke of how some people will ‘put down their drinks in protest’ when he walks into some pubs in town.

In an exclusive interview with the Blackpool Gazette, Mr Downes revealed that some of his old drinking buddies refer to him as ‘the big P’, and want to ‘get [him] out of Blackpool’.

But despite the abuse he receives in the resort, Bob has no intention to move away.

Didn’t know pal Munro was a paedophile

The 61-year-old said: “Why should I run? Why should I hide? Why should I change my identity?”

Questions were raised when it emerged that Bob’s friend, Ray Munro, had been staying at the Downes’ family home on Buchanan Street.

Mr Munro was charged with sexual offences against two children – but to this day, Bob denies knowing that his friend was a paedophile.

Bob added: “I can mix with anybody. I didn’t know that they were [paedophiles]. They don’t walk around with a plaque saying what they are. They’re not going to advertise the fact, are they?”

Constant taunts drove daughter away

Karen, 58, also revealed that one of her daughters moved away from the resort because she ‘couldn’t take’ the constant taunts from locals.

She said people were ‘always pointing and staying stuff about her sister’, who was last seen in Blackpool town centre on November 1, 2003.

Nick Griffin offered me hope and support – I don’t care about his politics

Karen, who still lives in the resort, has also faced verbal abuse for accepting support from the British National Party.

The far-right group funded a memorial plaque for Charlene in 2011 – which Karen says she was very grateful for.

But she says now people unfairly brand her a racist.

"They gave me hope and support for Charlene, that’s all I was interested in,” said Karen. "People have called me fascist filth, and this and that. I’m none of that.”

If I left Blackpool I’d feel like I’m leaving her behind

During the police investigation, they found she and other girls in the area had been groomed by several men for sexual favours.

Two men were put on trial, however, the trial collapsed and the men were eventually paid compensation for false imprisonment.

Karen added: “I’ve never been interested in any political agenda. I would feel the same way about anybody who did something like that.”

But as the 20 year anniversary of Charlene’s disappearance approaches, Karen told the Blackpool Gazette why she will never leave the resort.

"I just feel as though I'm part of her when I'm here. If I left anywhere else I’d feel like I was leaving her behind.”

Report information about Charlene Downes

We will be publishing more articles about the Justice For Charlene Downes campaign and research project as we approach the 20th anniversary of her disappearance.

Anyone with information should contact the incident room on 01253 607370 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or email [email protected]

Where can I watch the new Charlene Downes documentary?

A brand new and exclusive feature documentary about Charlene Downes, presented by Blackpool Gazette reporter, Lucinda Herbert, which will air on Shots TV (Freeview 276).

The documentary about Charlene Downes will premiere at 8:05pm, on Wednesday Nov 01, 2023 as part of an evening of True Crime on the channel.

It will also be available to watch online at this link.

Blackpool Gazette reporter, Lucinda Herbert attempts to find out what really could have happened to Charlene and why, after two decades, nobody has ever been brought to justice.