No charges over woman's sea death

A man arrested and bailed on suspicion of murdering his 20-year-old girlfriend in Blackpool will not face any charges.

Clare Burns, from Middleton, was rescued from the sea by lifeboat crews in the early hours of 24 August but later died in hospital.

Her 21-year-old boyfriend, who was also pulled from the water, was arrested.

Police say that Ms Burns's death is not suspicious and her boyfriend has been cleared of any criminal involvement.

The couple had gone to Blackpool for a weekend break when the tragedy occurred over the Bank Holiday Weekend.

Officers were called to the waterfront at about 2.30am and Ms Burns's boyfriend was rescued from the water and taken to hospital.

Coastguards launched a lifeboat and police scrambled the force helicopter to look for her.

She was located by the lifeboat and brought ashore where paramedics gave her emergency treatment before transporting her to Blackpool Victoria Hospital where she died a few hours later.

Det Ch Insp Neil Esseen said: "The incident was originally treated as suspicious following a number of reports from witnesses.

"However, having spoken to the male and concluding a number of other enquiries, a clearer picture has emerged and the matter is no longer being treated as a criminal enquiry.

"An inquest will be held in the future by HM Coroner, who has been informed of the developments.

"The family of Clare Burns have also been informed and have requested time to come to terms with their devastating loss."