Blindfolded, bundled into a car and then set alight by her killers, an innocent mum-of two was found badly burned on the steps of a Cheshire church.

It was a case that shocked the nation - and 25 years on, police are still searching for the two men responsible for Tracey Mertens' murder.

From her hospital bed, the 31-year-old bravely shared with officers the gruesome details of her final 24 hours - but she passed away from her horrific injuries on Christmas Eve in 1994.

Two days before, she had left her new home in Rochdale, where she was from, to pick up her benefits book from her old house in Birmingham.

Tracey had just moved back to the north with her on-off partner Joey Kavanagh, and their two children Kelly, aged 11, and Daniel, 12.

Her family said the couple, who first got together when they were 16, had a strained relationship at times - and drug user Joey owed people money.

Tracey was supposed to make the trip to her old home in Cattells Grove and back to Rochdale in the same day - but ended up staying overnight nearby with her sister-in-law.

The next morning, Tracey had only been in her old Birmingham home for around 10 minutes when she answered a knock at the door.

Two men barged into her house demanding to know where Joey was.

When Tracey wouldn't answer, she was blindfolded, bundled into a tatty yellow Ford Escort and driven 70 miles to the village of Eaton in Cheshire.

She described her abductors as two black men around 30-years-old, big and fat in build with Birmingham accents, who also spoke in a foreign language, which police believe was the Jamaican dialect Patois.

Around five hours after she was snatched from her old house, a passer-by heard Tracey crying for help on the steps of the church after she had been set on fire.

Despite the bitterly cold night, her clothes were still smouldering, and her burns were so horrific her rescuer said he initially thought she was wearing a costume.

A petrol canister was later recovered by police nearby.

Tracey fought long enough in hospital to give detectives as much information on her abduction as she could - but she died around 12 hours later.

Doctors say the burns covered 95 per cent of her body.

Police have interviewed thousands of people during their investigations and made multiple public appeals - but her killers have never been charged.

Joey Kavanagh has always maintained he was not the cause of her murder.

In 2009, Cheshire Police reopened the case after advances in technology got them a DNA profile of the men they are after.

Tracey's murder was reconstructed on the BBC's Crimewatch and her family spoke of their pain.

Her daughter Kelly told the programme: "The happiest times of my life were with my mum, the memories I've got with her. I've been through so much on my own when she should have been there.

"She deserves to be at peace. I don't think she ever will be until these people are caught."

But 10 years later, despite new leads emerging, the murder investigation continues.

As Tracey's family face their 26th Christmas without her, Cheshire Police are renewing their appeal for information.

Detective Inspector Kate Tomlinson at Cheshire Police said: "This week marks the 25th 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. That information was vital for the investigation team at the time and numerous lines of enquiry were pursued.

"Over the years we have renewed our appeal and a number of people have come forward with information - I would like to thank them for their assistance. However, despite extensive enquiries, nobody has ever been charged with Tracey’s murder.

Greater Manchester court cases We have a dedicated Facebook group covering court cases across Greater Manchester. For all the latest trial coverage and sentencing join the group here. To download our app to get all the latest news visit here.

“Therefore, as Tracey’s family prepares to spend another Christmas Day without her, I would personally appeal to anyone who has any information about Tracey’s death to get in touch – even the smallest amount of information can be crucial when piecing together a case.

"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."

A police reward of £30,000 for information leading to a conviction remains unclaimed.

Anyone with any information should contact Cheshire Police's Operation Eaton investigation team on 101.

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

Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for the latest news. We are also on Instagram .

If you are on the go, the M.E.N. app helps bring you closer to the latest news where you live. Available on iPhone and Android , the app can be tailor-made to bring you the latest on what matters to you.

Breaking news, the latest on your football club, the pick of the week’s events and the latest travel - you can tailor the app to suit you. Our push notifications help highlight the biggest stories to you first.