Police renew appeal as murder of Tracey Mertens remains unsolved 30 years on
Police have renewed their appeal for information on the 30th anniversary of an unsolved murder.
On December 23, 1994, Tracey Mertens was doused in petrol and set alight in Eaton churchyard not far from Sandbach.
She sustained horrific burns to her body and died 12 hours later, on Christmas Eve, age 31.
Three decades on and still no one has ever been charged with her murder.
Detectives are now 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 December, 22, 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 December 23 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 per cent burns to her body and clung to life for a further 12 hours before she died.
Earlier this year Tracey's daughter, Kelly Hill, spoke for the first time about what happened to her mother.
"I can't imagine what my mum would've felt when she was burning alive - I hope I get to see justice in my lifetime," she said.
"I still want to get these people brought to justice - we can only do that if we keep talking about it and keeping her name alive.
"If anyone's got any information, can you please speak up and help bring mum to justice."
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.
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