Winehouse 'not on drugs the night she died'

The singer's public battle with drink and drugs meant her death at 27 prompted suggestions that they were the cause

Toxicology results show there were no illegal substances in Amy Winehouse's body at the time of her death, her family said yesterday.

The singer, best known for her Grammy Award-winning 2006 album Back to Black, was found dead at her flat in north London on 23 July.

The family statement said: "Toxicology results returned to the Winehouse family by authorities have confirmed that there were no illegal substances in Amy's system at the time of her death. Results indicate that alcohol was present but it cannot be determined as yet if it played a role in her death. The family would like to thank the police and coroner for their continuing thorough investigations and for keeping them informed throughout the process. They await the outcome of the inquest in October."

Because of Winehouse's very public battles with drink and drugs, news of her death at the age of 27 was quickly followed by suggestions it could be related to one or the other.

An initial post-mortem examination proved inconclusive and an inquest was opened and adjourned with no cause of death given. The inquest, at St Pancras Coroner's Court in London, is due to be reopened on 26 October.

Ms Winehouse's father, Mitch, told mourners at her funeral at Edgwarebury Cemetery in north London that his daughter had been the happiest she had been in a long time in the weeks before her death. He said she had conquered her drug addiction and was "trying hard to deal with her drinking". Mr Winehouse said his daughter had recently "completed three weeks of abstinence" adding she had told him, "Dad, I've had enough of drinking, I can't stand the look on your and the family's faces any more".

He said: "She was the happiest she has been for years. We all remember that great night at the 100 Club on Oxford Street, her voice was good, her wit and timing were perfect. She told me that she had 'thoroughly, thoroughly enjoyed' herself." He added: "But knowing she wasn't depressed, knowing she passed away happy, it makes us all feel better."

Winehouse rose to prominence with her 2003 debut album Frank, which was shortlisted for the Mercury Prize. Her follow-up record, Black to Black, was also nominated for the Mercury Prize and won five Grammy Awards, including Song of the Year forthe single "Rehab".

The song's lyrics detailed attempts by Winehouse's management company to send the singer to rehab to treat her alcohol addiction. Mr Winehouse has revealed plans to set up a foundation in his daughter's name to help people struggling with addiction.

On 1 August, Mr Winehouse met Home Office minister James Brokenshire and Keith Vaz, chairman of the Home Affairs Select Committee, to encourage politicians to do more to help young people with drug and alcohol problems.