Three decades after the unsolved murder of a mother attacked in a cemetery, detectives have renewed their efforts to find her killer or killers.
Tracey Mertens was doused in petrol and set on fire in Eaton Cemetery, near Congleton, Cheshire, on December 23, 1994. She was 31 years old.
Despite suffering burns to about 95 percent of her body, Mertens survived for 12 hours and was able to tell detectives as much as she could before she died.
Now, 30 years later, Cheshire Police detectives are desperately trying to solve the case, particularly that of the woman’s two children. But they say the public’s help is needed to get more information about what happened.
Merten’s sister, Sharon Howarth, left, and their mother, Barbara Mertens, appeal for information in 1995 (PA)
Detectives believe Mertens, who lived in Rochdale, was kidnapped by two men while she went to her former home in Birmingham to collect a benefits booklet.
Mertens told police two men came to the door and took her away in the back of a yellow Ford Escort.
She was taken to Eaton Cemetery in Cheshire where she was set on fire.
Tracey Mertens told police everything she could before she died (PA)
A member of the public spotted her and she was rushed to hospital.
“This week marks the 30th anniversary of Tracey’s death – a time which understandably remains very difficult for her family,” said Detective Inspector Nigel Reid of Cheshire Police.
“Tracey suffered a violent and horrific death at the hands of her killers. She was so brave and told the detectives as much as she could before she died.
Cheshire Police document of a yellow Ford Escort car, similar to the one Tracey Mertens was rounded up in (PA)
“Although extensive investigations have been carried out, including arrests, forensic examinations and advice from the CPS, to date no one has been convicted over Tracey’s death and the case remains open.
“As an organization, we continue to review undetected investigations and will always act on any new information. Therefore, as Tracey’s family prepare to spend another Christmas Day without her, I would urge anyone with information about Tracey’s death to contact us.
Cheshire Police are urging anyone with information to contact the Operation Eaton investigation team on 101 or via www.cheshire.police.uk/tell-us quoting IML 1983827.
