21st anniversary of the death of Tracey Mertens at Eaton

As Christmas Day approaches, detectives are renewing their appeal for information on the death of a mother in Eaton churchyard.

Tracey Mertens, 31, was doused in petrol and set alight on the steps leading to the churchyard on 23 December 1994 − she sustained horrific burns to her body and died 12 hours later.

This week, on the 21st anniversary of her death, officers from Cheshire Constabulary’s Major Crime Directorate are urging anyone who may have information in relation to the horrific murder to get in touch.

Detective Inspector Gary McIntyre said: “Tracey’s family are preparing to spend another Christmas without her – an experience that remains a difficult one for them all. This year marks the 21st anniversary of Tracey’s death and, although a lot of time has passed since that day, I do firmly believe that there are still other people out there who may have witnessed what happened and would appeal to them to come forward.

“Over the years we have renewed our appeal for information and have made two appearances on BBC1s Crimewatch. I appreciate that it is a long time ago but I am sure that if you witnessed something you would still remember this now and I would urge anyone with any information to come forward and help us with our investigation.”

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, 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 black 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.

An investigation was launched and, despite extensive and exhaustive enquiries over the years, no-one has ever been convicted in connection with her death.

DI McIntyre added: “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. That information was vital for the investigation team at the time and numerous lines of enquiry were pursued. Over the years a number of people have come forward with information and I would like to thank them for their assistance.

“Someone out there must know who is responsible for Tracey′s murder and I would personally appeal to them to come forward and speak to us – even the smallest amount of information can be crucial when piecing together a case. In particular I would appeal to anyone in Birmingham, where Tracey was taken from, or Cheshire, where she was killed, to come forward. I would also appeal to anyone who was living in the Rochdale area at the time and may have information significant to our enquiries to also get in touch.”

A £30,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for Tracey’s death still stands.

Anyone with any information should contact the Operation Eaton investigation team on 101.

Information can also be passed on anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.