THE woman behind a failed wedding dress business that suddenly shut in Southampton will not face any police action, the Daily Echo can reveal today.

Without any warning Champagne & Lace Bridal Lounge Ltd closed its High Street store in July and then directed those left high and dry to a bogus address.

The Daily Echo tracked businesswoman Rena Zhang, who is believed to be behind the business, down to China.

But the 37- year-old said both she and 67- year-old mother Shuzhen Yuan, would not be returning to the UK.

Now Hampshire Police have revealed that there is no evidence to pursue a criminal case.

PC Zara Cole, who led the investigation, said: “I think I have really come to the end of my enquiries and we are not going to be able to pursue a criminal complaint.”

But she said those wanting to recoup their losses could still launch action.

She said: “I will be contacting all the ladies to inform them that if they want to pursue a complaint then they will need to go through the civil routes.

“It might be that they want to get together and share the cost of a solicitor.”

Our investigation tracked Miss Zhang down to China.

Initially Miss Zhang said that the store had nothing to do with her. Yet official records showed that her mother was the director.

Then she told the Echo that she would not be returning to the UK because her mum was in intensive care with a serious heart condition.

Dozens of brides saw their plans for their dream day left in tatters after the closure.

They were then asked for claims to be sent to an address in Manchester, which the Daily Echo discovered was false.

In October Miss Zhang admitted being “surprised and upset” that the brides had not received their dresses, despite Daily Echo coverage of the women’s plight, and previously saying the store was nothing to do with her.

She said: “According to the suppliers, all existing orders were completed and sent to Champagne & Lace.”

Among brides-to-be who lost out in the closure was Katie Hill, from Woolston, who handed over £1,325 for a dress but never received it.

The 27-year-old nurse was forced to pay a similar amount for another dress for her wedding in February.

PC Cole can be contacted at Southampton Central police station on 101.