Convicted paedophile Nigel Lloyd accused of murdering Charlene Downes was a 'smokescreen' by Lancashire Police

Joe Cusack ended his three-part documentary, in 2019, by saying he was sure that Nigel Lloyd – a chef and convicted paedophile, was key to Charlene’s disappearance and possible murder.

But four years on, he now believes that Lloyd was just a ‘smokescreen’ to keep him away from the investigation.

In a new documentary marking 20 years since Charlene went missing, Cusack says: “Lancashire Police clearly channelled us towards Nigel Lloyd, but it was a distraction plan.”

Lloyd, then 51, had lived in a property that backed on to the alleyway where Charlene often hung out.

He was arrested in 2017, on suspicion of her murder, but was never charged.

“We had boots on the ground ready to film episode four – but he’ll never be charged because he didn’t do it.”

Lloyd, then 51, had attacked two 15-year-old girls in Blackpool in 2001 and 2003, meaning he was active around the time Charlene Downes went missing.

He was convicted of these offences in February 2017 and served a five year sentence.

“He was living in the flat at the top of the alley, and he was forever there offering cups of tea...it always sparks a copper’s intuition when someone’s being overly helpful.”

Mr Cusack was interviewed as part of a new documentary, which is due to air on the new Freeview channel, ShotsTV next week.

When asked about his experiences with Lancashire Police, he said they ‘weren’t co-operative at all’ at first, but became more helpful later on.

“The documentary sparked a lot of interest [in Charlene Downes]. It laid dormant until our documentary and it was just drifting into the background, and I think that’s where Lancashire Police want it to be.”

Wednesday, November 01, 2023 will mark 20 years since Charlene Downes went missing in Blackpool.

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.