Police confirm dead sisters’ identities and release pictures as investigation continues

Police have released pictures of two sisters who were found dead last month, with authorities yet to determine a cause of death.

Police have confirmed the identity and released pictures of two Saudi Arabian sisters whose bodies were discovered in a south west Sydney unit nearly two months ago, as the mystery continues over how they died.

The bodies of 24-year-old Asra Abdullah Alsehli and 23-year-old Amaal Abdullah Alsehli were found at a Canterbury Rd home, near Dibbs St, on June 7 following a concern for welfare report.

24-year-old Asra Abdullah Alsehli and her sister were discovered in a south west Sydney unit in June. Picture: Supplied

Police are yet to determine a cause of death for 23-year-old Amaal Abdullah Alsehli and her sister. Picture: Supplied

Their bodies were found in separate bedrooms in the apartment with no signs of injury.

Police believe the women had been dead for some time prior to being discovered.

Detective Inspector Claudia Allcroft said police are still treating the death as “suspicious”, as a cause of death is not known and the circumstances are “somewhat unusual”.

Strike Force Woolbird was established by Burwood detectives to investigate the circumstances surrounding the women’s deaths.

The apartment building in Canterbury where the two sisters’ bodies were found. Picture: Damian Shaw

Police are yet to receive the toxicology results or coroner's report, with Ms Allcroft saying the fact that their bodies were “there for some time” made matters “problematic”.

“Detectives are interested in speaking with anyone who may have seen or who may have information about the women’s movements in the days and weeks prior to their deaths – which we believe occurred in early May,” Ms Allcroft said.

“Extensive inquiries have been made by Strike Force Woolbird detectives; however, we have been unable to determine the exact circumstances surrounding Asra and Amaal’s death.”

Police preparing to enter the apartment where the two sisters’ bodies were found. Picture: Damian Shaw / Daily Telegraph

The two sisters arrived in Australia from Saudi Arabia in 2017, with Ms Allcroft saying police “don‘t know a lot about the girls” and they seemed to “keep to themselves”.

“The Burwood community is a small and close community, and we hope that someone may be able to assist our investigators – either through sightings, or those who knew the sisters and may have some information on their movements prior to their death,” she said.

Police have spoken to the family in Saudi Arabia and they are assisting police with their enquiries.

Ms Allcroft said there was “nothing to suggest” that the family were suspects, who have instructed the Saudi consulate to act on their behalf.

The welfare check in June when the landlord contacted the sheriff’s office after they had not received rent for more than a month.

Police previously attended the unit in mid-March after a call from the building manager.

“I believe food had been left out in the common areas and he contacted police as he was concerned for their welfare,” Ms Allcroft said.

Ms Allcroft said at the time the girls “appeared to be fine” and “no issues” were raised during that visit, with no further action taken by police.

Anyone with information has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.