Police say death of Ukrainian refugee, 14, is not suspicious

Albina Yevko and her mother had escaped war-torn Ukraine (Picture: SWNS/Devon and Cornwall Police)

The death of a Ukrainian refugee in Devon was not suspicious, detectives have said.

Devon and Cornwall Police have ruled out any third party involvement in the tragedy.

Albina Yevko, 14, was found unconscious on Dawlish Beach on Saturday.

It is understood she and her mother fled Ukraine after Russia launched its bloody war last year.

Speaking today, Detective Inspector Becky Davies said the investigation is ongoing.

She said: ‘Following police enquiries undertaken throughout the Dawlish area, including CCTV trawls, review of Albina’s phone and a forensic post mortem; investigative officers can confirm that there was no third party involvement and that the death of Albina Yevko is not suspicious.

‘Our investigation shows that Albina had settled very well in the UK since moving from Ukraine and enjoyed living by the sea and being part of a new family.

‘She had made good friends, both Ukranian and English in the UK, enjoyed school and was very much welcomed by the local community.

Albina Yevko had been living in the Dawlish area (Picture: Devon & Cornwall Police)

‘We have informed Albina’s next of kin of our findings and we ask that their privacy is respected at such a difficult time.

‘The police’s role is to continue gathering information surrounding this matter and to submit a file to the coroner who will hold an inquest into this death in due course.

‘We would like to thank everyone who has helped us with our investigation into this matter. Our thoughts are with all who knew Albina at this tragic time.’

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Albina’s mother, Inna Yevko, said in a statement shared by police: ‘Myself and my family are devastated to have lost our beautiful Albina.

‘Nothing can ever replace her in our hearts. We ask that our privacy is respected at this incredibly painful time.’

Anyone with any information and has yet to have spoken to officers is asked to contact 101@dc.police.uk quoting case reference 50230052081.

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