Police are still working to identify the bodies of three women who were recovered from the sea in Brighton in the early hours of Wednesday. The families of the women remain unaware that they have lost loved ones, Sussex Police said.
Discovery and Response
Emergency services were called to the beach after concerns were raised for the women's welfare at around 5:45 am. Three bodies were pulled from the water near Madeira Drive. It is understood that the women, aged between 20 and 30, may have entered the water from the beach near where they were discovered before getting into difficulty. They were first spotted at Brighton Palace Pier before drifting to the marina, according to PA Media.
Police Statement
Sussex Police Chief Superintendent Adam Hays said in an update on Wednesday evening: 'I understand the impact this tragic incident has had on the local community and more widely. This is a sensitive investigation and we know the public are keen to understand the full circumstances. But our priority at this time is identifying these three women and locating their families, who at this point remain unaware they have lost loved ones. I would ask for people's patience while we conduct these enquiries and to avoid speculation while this is ongoing.'
Contrary to some reports, the women did not attend a nightclub in the area before they were discovered.
Council Response
Brighton and Hove City Council released a statement of sympathy. Council leader Bella Sankey said: 'I am shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the deaths of three women off the Brighton coast this morning. My heart goes out to the friends and family of these women, and on behalf of Brighton and Hove I send sincere condolences. I would also like to thank the emergency services for their quick response and combined efforts; it is heartbreaking that their recovery efforts have ended in such tragic circumstances.'
Beach Reopened and Search Efforts
The beach has now reopened to the public after being largely closed throughout the day as investigations were underway. Officers have left the scene. The coastguard conducted an 'extensive search' and are not looking for anyone else, according to police. HM Coastguard told The Independent that a helicopter and rescue teams from Shoreham, Newhaven, Littlehampton, and Birling Gap, along with RNLI lifeboats from Brighton, Shoreham, and Newhaven, assisted. Sussex Police and the South East Coast Ambulance Service also attended.
Investigation Ongoing
Sussex Police have said that a number of lines of enquiry are still being explored. They have asked anyone with further information to contact them online or on 101, quoting Operation Ledmore.
