Sussex Police have defended their investigation into the death of 17-year-old Sophie Read and urged the public to be vigilant over drug dealing.

An inquest held in Hove last week heard the teenager died two years ago from a drug overdose following a night in an Airbnb with Reis Forde, 26, who was later arrested for supplying drugs and perverting the course of justice.

Sinead Doyle of Worthing was also arrested for perverting the course of justice. No charges were brought due to a lack of evidence.

Sophie’s mother, Natalie Reeve, has criticised the investigation.

A spokesman for the force said: “A thorough police investigation found no evidence of crime being committed in relation to the tragic death of Sophie Read and this was agreed by the CPS.

“A detailed police report was sent to the Coroner. Police gave evidence at the inquest and there was no criticism of police action by the Coroner.”

The spokesman added that the force received correspondence, including complaints and requests for information about police action in October last year, from Sophie’s family, and responded by providing information and explanations.

“We have received no current complaint about police action in relation to this case,” he said. “We have received a request for information from a legal representative on behalf of the family, and this will also be responded to.”

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On the wider issue of drug dealing in Sussex, the spokesman said it was “crucial” that the public continues to be vigilant.

“Drug dealing is a nationwide issue and a complex one that police can’t address alone,” he said. “We are working closely together with councils, schools, charities and other police forces, the Met and the British Transport Police especially, to help eliminate drugs, county lines in particular, and safeguard the young and vulnerable people who are exploited.

“It’s crucial that the public continues to contact us with information or concerns around drug dealing in their area. Our priority is keeping our communities safe and feeling safe.”

The spokesman added that Sussex Police are currently taking “robust action” to dismantle drugs lines and disrupt supply.

“It is our daily business to target and disrupt serious criminal activity through numerous operations and tactics including warrants, plain clothes and uniformed patrols, and intelligence led arrests,” he said.

He added that current examples include a detailed update on the force’s “intense activity” across Sussex against county lines drug dealing, with seizure of drugs valued at £125,000, £20,000 cash, and 50 computers and phones, as well as making 30 arrests.

Anyone with information on drug dealing in Sussex can call police on 101.