Sussex Police have identified three women whose bodies were recovered from the sea off Brighton Beach, though formal identification is pending. Next of kin have been informed, but names have not been publicly released.
Emergency services were called at around 5:45am on Wednesday after concerns for a person's welfare. Three bodies were found near Madeira Drive. Police say there is no evidence of criminality or third-party involvement, and an investigation is ongoing.
Chief Superintendent Adam Hays described the incident as an "utterly heartbreaking tragedy" and said the investigation includes "a number of hypotheses." One line of inquiry is that the women may have entered the water from the beach and got into difficulty.
Brighton and Hove City Council leader Bella Sankey expressed devastation, stating the city is reviewing safety measures along the seafront. Police have appealed for anyone with information to contact them, quoting Operation Ledmor.
