Try GOLD - Free

Fresh appeal over woman set on fire 30 years ago

The Independent

|

December 24, 2024

Three decades on from the unsolved murder of a mother who was attacked in a churchyard, detectives have renewed their push to find her killers.

- ALEX CROFT

Fresh appeal over woman set on fire 30 years ago

Tracey Mertens was doused in petrol and set alight in Eaton churchyard near Congleton, in Cheshire, on 23 December 1994. She was 31 years old. Despite having burns to around 95 per cent of her body, Mertens held on to life for 12 hours and was able to tell detectives as much as she could before she died.

Now, 30 years on, detectives at Cheshire Police are desperate to solve the case, particularly for the woman’s two children. But they say help is needed from the public for more information on what happened.

MORE STORIES FROM The Independent

The Independent

The Independent

Reform council leader vows to 'lie in front of bulldozers'

Party has been vocal about its opposition to net zero plans

time to read

2 mins

October 14, 2025

The Independent

The Independent

'How long we dreamt of this day': joy and pain of families and those released after deal

Very different homecomings for freed Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners were witnessed by Bel Trew in Tel Aviv, Rateb al-Qaissy in Ramallah and Nedal Hamdouna in Gaza

time to read

4 mins

October 14, 2025

The Independent

The Independent

World hunger is a political choice – just look at Brazil

Hunger is neither a natural condition of humankind nor an unavoidable tragedy: it is the result of choices made by governments and economic systems that have chosen to turn a blind eye to inequality or even promote it.

time to read

3 mins

October 14, 2025

The Independent

The Independent

Marinating in the milk and honey of Israeli hyperbole

As you might expect, the “sermon near the Mount”, as delivered by Donald Trump to the Knesset in Jerusalem, was less a case of “Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called the sons of God” as “Blessed are you lot to have me, and you will call me your peacemaker.”

time to read

3 mins

October 14, 2025

The Independent

The Independent

Robinson had thousands in cash when held at border

Asked for his phone PIN, activist said: 'Not a chance, bruv'

time to read

2 mins

October 14, 2025

The Independent

The Independent

Tuchel urges Rashford to add consistency to ability

The England manager warns his striker to take the 'right decisions' to prevent later regret

time to read

3 mins

October 14, 2025

The Independent

Trump must learn patience for Gaza peace to endure

The hostages are free. That – not the bombastic and performative speech given to the Knesset by Donald Trump, or the self-congratulatory and ingratiating performance by the prime minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu - was the most important event of a historic day.

time to read

3 mins

October 14, 2025

The Independent

The Independent

ON THIS DAY

1066: The Battle of Hastings was fought at Senlac Hill in Sussex, at which William of Normandy defeated Harold of England to claim the English throne.

time to read

1 mins

October 14, 2025

The Independent

The Independent

MPs warned they're targets of China and Russia agents

MI5 has warned MPs that they are being targeted by China, Russia and Iran through espionage in a shock warning.

time to read

3 mins

October 14, 2025

The Independent

The Independent

UK had 'vital role' in Gaza plan, insists Trump envoy

Witkoff intervenes amid row over Britain's involvement

time to read

3 mins

October 14, 2025

Listen

Translate

Share

-
+

Change font size