BBC Breakfast host Sarah Campbell delivered two death announcements during Saturday's programme, waking viewers with "heartbreaking" news at the top of the show. She was joined by co-host Charlie Stayt on the famous red sofa, filling in for regular host Naga Munchetty.
Sarah ran through the major bulletins of the morning and announced the death of six-year-old Saja El-Khawas, who had gone into difficulty in the sea off Shoreham in West Sussex. The young girl was pulled from the sea by emergency crews on Tuesday (August 18). Her father Hassan El-Khawas, 55, mother Zeina Alayn, 37, and 14-year-old sister Sara also died at the scene despite the efforts of paramedics.
Investigation into Shoreham tragedy
The incident took place at Kingston Beach, a short distance from Shoreham Port. A police spokesperson said: "The investigation into the incident remains open, but following review of CCTV footage and initial witness accounts, the current hypothesis is that this was a tragic accident, with no third-party involvement."
Chief Superintendent James Collis said: "This heartbreaking update is one we all feared in the aftermath of Tuesday's tragic events. The impact of this tragedy has been felt across the country, and I know the Shoreham community, emergency responders and all involved will continue to be affected for a long time to come. I would like to thank all of the public who have shared their sympathies and kind words."
Sweden school attack
Immediately after the bulletin, Sarah also announced that a person has been killed in a sword attack at a high school in Sweden. In a post on X, Sweden's Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson described the attack as a "serious incident," and said, "We do not know what lies behind the act, but we know that police are working very intensively".
Sweden's King Carl XVI Gustaf said he received the news "with dismay and sadness". In a statement, he said: "My thoughts are with those directly affected, as well as their families and loved ones." It has been reported that police have arrested an 18-year-old man. Two teenage boys were seriously injured in the attack. Another person had minor injuries.
BBC Breakfast schedule
BBC Breakfast is broadcast daily and contains a mixture of news, sport, weather, business and feature items. When BBC Breakfast is not broadcast on BBC One, it is transmitted via BBC Two. Jon Kay and Sally Nugent host the show from Monday to Wednesday and Charlie and Naga take over from Thursday to Saturday. The Sunday show is hosted by different presenters each week. BBC Breakfast airs daily on BBC One at 6am.
