Meredith police conclude inquiry

Three people are being held over the murder of Meredith Kercher

Detectives in Italy have formally concluded their investigation into the killing of student Meredith Kercher.

Charges may now be brought against American Amanda Knox, 20, her former boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito, 21, and Hermann Guede, 24, from Ivory Coast.

They are being held on suspicion of sexually assaulting and murdering the 21-year-old Leeds University student from Coulsdon, south London.

She died last November in a house she shared with Miss Knox in Perugia.

Prosecutors say the three suspects strangled and stabbed Miss Kercher, according to a court document officially notifying the defence that the investigation is over.

Suspect 'innocent'

The document says Mr Guede committed sexual violence on Miss Kercher, with the help of Miss Knox and Mr Sollecito.

It also says Miss Knox and Mr Sollecito tried to make it appear that an attempted robbery had taken place in the house.

All three suspects have denied any wrongdoing.

The defence now has 20 days to request further questioning or produce more documents before prosecutors either seek indictments or drop the accusations.

Miss Knox's family said on Thursday in an e-mailed statement that the prosecutor "has been wedded to the theory that Amanda and two others were responsible for Meredith's murder".

"We know our daughter is innocent, and we will continue to support her in every way possible," the statement said.