Sisters drowned in national park mountain pools

The sisters entered the mountain pool and died as a result of drowning, a coroner said

Two sisters who died at a beauty spot in a national park both drowned, an inquest has heard.

Hajra Zahid, 29, and Haleema Zahid, 25, were pulled from the water at the Watkin Pools at Eryri in the Nant Gwynant area of Gwynedd last week.

A brief hearing at the Dafydd Orwig Chamber in Caernarfon on Wednesday was told both women had travelled to the north Wales national park, also known as Snowdonia, with university friends.

The inquest was adjourned while further investigations take place.

Sarah Riley, assistant coroner for north-west Wales, said the sisters "entered the water and sadly both died as a result of drowning".

"I offer my sincere condolences to their family, friends and all who knew and loved them," she added.

The sisters, who were both born in Pakistan but lived in Maltby, Rotherham, South Yorkshire, were students at the University of Chester and the institution previously said they had "touched the lives of many" since starting master's degrees in international business earlier this year.

A former colleague of Haleema Zahid at a telecommunications company in Islamabad, Pakistan, said in a tribute that she was "an exceptionally compassionate, hardworking and kind individual".

Dr Bilal Saeed added she had "touched the lives of many with her warmth, professionalism and unwavering dedication".

Ms Zahid had left the firm to pursue higher education in the UK, he added.

Sheharyar Shahnawaz, another ex-colleague, said Haleema Zahid was an "amazing lady, very lively and energetic, someone you would want in your life".

He said that she became the pillar of her family after the death of her father last year and he had seen her just before she left for the UK when she told him she was "really excited for this new chapter".

What is the Watkin Path?

The Watkin Path is one of the main routes to the summit of Wales' highest mountain, Yr Wyddfa, which is also known as Snowdon.

North Wales Police said officers were called at about 21:30 BST on 11 June after a report one woman had been pulled from the water and another was said to be in one of the pools.

The force added both women were pronounced dead at about 23:00.