Southend's police commander today vowed to leave no stone unturned in the investigation into the deaths of two teenage girls who plunged 120ft from a Southend tower block.
Chief Supt Mick Thwaites moved to reassure the parents of Lisa Utton, 18, and Danielle Waddington, 16, as an inquest was opened into their deaths at Southend coroner's court.
Det Chief Insp Simon Dinsdale, who is leading the inquiry, reiterated his comments when he told coroner Dr Peter Dean: "I am now as sure as I can be that no third party was involved in their deaths.
"However,the fact that two perfectly fit and well young ladies went out of an 11th floor window is highly unusual and we will be investigating what would make them go out of that window."
Mr Dinsdale was asked by Dr Dean to update him on the circumstances that led to the girls deaths.
He confirmed that the girls had been taken to Southend Hospital after Danielle collapsed on Southend seafront and was described by witnesses as being drunk.
Danielle, who had been staying with friends at Coaster Steps on the Woodgrange estate in Southend, and Lisa, who lived in Lesney Gardens, Rochford, were seen leaving the hospital and witnesses say that they were arguing.
They were last seen making their way towards Cecil Court and a short while later ambulances were called.
The inquest is expected to reopen in three months' time after police have conducted a full investigation.
Published Thursday November 27, 2003
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