No evidence of crime in deaths of three sisters off Brighton beach, police say
The investigation into the Uxbridge sisters' deaths now passes to a coroner
Police have found no evidence of any crime in the deaths of three sisters whose bodies were found off Brighton beach in May.
Sussex Police said its investigation had concluded, with no evidence of criminality or third-party involvement.
The women were sisters from Uxbridge - 36-year-old Jane Adetoro, 32-year-old Christina Walters and 31-year-old Rebecca Walters.
Emergency services were called to the beach near Black Rock car park at around 5.45am on Wednesday 13th May, following a report of concern for a person in the water.
Three bodies were recovered from the sea nearby.
A post-mortem examination in May confirmed all three women died by drowning.
Officers, supported by other forces, reviewed hundreds of hours of CCTV and took statements from witnesses across the country to establish the women's movements.
The investigation found all three were dropped off by taxi at Madeira Drive at 10.20pm on Tuesday 12th May, and their bodies were found the following morning, wearing everyday clothing.
Police said there was no evidence they visited any nightclubs or local businesses, and no evidence they came to harm by any individuals.
The force said its enquiries concluded that all three entered the water near to where their bodies were found.
The matter now passes to His Majesty's Senior Coroner to hold an inquest, which will establish where, when and how the women died.
Chief Superintendent Adam Hays said: "From the outset of this complex and challenging investigation, we have been acutely aware of the speculation surrounding this incident, the public's unanswered questions and their desire for answers.
"Our priority throughout has been uncovering the truth for the loved ones of Jane, Rebecca and Christina, because at this incident's core there has always been a grieving family coming to terms with an unthinkable tragedy and loss.
"Our investigation has been thorough. Our extensive enquiries intentionally considered concerns raised by black communities surrounding the deaths of black people in or near bodies of water, as we worked to understand who the three women were, and the factors that could have led to them being found on the beach that morning.
"However, our enquiries have now concluded, pending any new information coming to light.
"Jane, Rebecca and Christina's tragic deaths sparked a national outpouring of grief, and I would like to thank everyone who supported our investigation by coming forward with information.
"We will now support the coronial process and ask that the sisters' family continue to be given privacy to come to terms with their loss."