THE METROPOLITAN police on Sunday again refuted claims emerging in Sunday tabloids that 27-year-old singer Amy Winehouse, who was found dead in her London house on Saturday afternoon, was killed by a suspected overdose of drugs.
“Inquiries continue into the circumstances of the death. At this early stage it is being treated as unexplained and there have been no arrests in connection with the incident,” the Met police said as Indian-origin officer, superintendent Raj Kohli, lead investigations into her sudden death. Glasgow-born Kohli is brother of radio and TV broadcaster and writer Hardeep Singh Kohli.
“I am aware of reports suggesting this death is the result of a suspected drugs overdose, but I would like to re-emphasise that no post-mortem examination has yet taken place and it would be inappropriate to speculate on the cause of death,” superintendent Kohli said.
However, the police made it clear that there would be no immediate autopsy of the Brit and Grammy award-winner. “A date and time for the post-mortem will not be scheduled before Monday morning,” Scotland Yard said on Sunday.
Amy’s family issued a statement about her death on Sunday. “Our family has been left bereft by the loss of Amy, a wonderful daughter, sister, niece. She leaves a gaping hole in our lives. We are coming together to remember her and we would appreciate some privacy and space at this terrible time,” the Winehouse family said after the death of the singer, who battled drink and drug addiction and had recently undergone a rehab stint.
No details of funeral have been released as yet and will depend on the timing of the autopsy. Paying tribute to Amy, the Met police said: “The death of any person is a sad time for friends and family, especially in the case of a person such as Amy Winehouse, who was known both nationally and internationally.”
The police was called by London Ambulance Service to a house in Camden Square in northwest London shortly before 4.05 pm on Saturday, following reports of a woman found deceased. On arrival police officers found the body of 27-year-old Amy Winehouse, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
The police has not revealed as yet who made the phone call to emergency services from Amy’s three-storey house. It has also not been revealed if the singer was alone at home or if anyone else was present when paramedics and the police arrived.
Amy Winehouse’s body was removed from her home close to 9 pm on Saturday as hundreds of fans gathered close to hold a vigil. The police cordoned off the area near her house, but people have left flowers, portraits, photographs, music memorabilia and trinkets near the park close to her residence.
Amy made her last public appearance on Wednesday night when she joined her goddaughter, budding singer Dionne Bromfield, on stage at the Roundhouse in Camden. Her management firm, Metropolis Music, said: “We are trying to come to terms with the death of a dear friend and colleague, the most amazing artist and talent. We will always remember Amy as a vibrant, funny, caring young woman who made everyone around her feel welcome. We have lost a very special person, part of our family.”
British musicians led tributes to the singer as the country debated the tragic loss of singer at 27. Her former producer Mark Ronson said: “She was my musical soulmate and like a sister to me. This is one of the saddest days of my life.”
Her friend, actress Kelly Osbourne said on Twitter: “I cant even breath right now i’m crying so hard i just lost 1 of my best friends. i love you forever Amy & will never forget the real you!”