Police still working to identify bodies of three women found in sea at Brighton
Police have yet to identify the bodies of three women pulled from the sea in Brighton early on Wednesday.
Emergency services were called to the beach at around 5.45am after concerns were raised for the women’s welfare before three bodies were pulled from the water near Madeira Drive.
It was understood that the women were between 20 and 30 years old and may have entered the water from the beach near where they were discovered before getting into trouble.
According to PA media, they were first spotted at Brighton Palace Pier before drifting towards the marina.
But Sussex Police said the families of the three women were “unaware they had lost their loved ones” as authorities tried to identify the women and the circumstances that led to their deaths.
“I understand the impact this tragic incident has had on the local community and wider community,” Sussex Chief Constable Adam Hays said in a statement on Wednesday evening.
“This is a sensitive investigation and we know the public is keen to understand all the circumstances. However, our priority at this time is to identify these three women and locate their families, who at this point are unaware they have lost their loved ones.”
“I would ask people to be patient while we conduct these investigations and avoid speculation while this continues.”
Contrary to some reports, the women were not attending a nightclub in the area before they were discovered.
Brighton and Hove City Council issued a message of condolence to the women’s families.
“I was shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the deaths of three women off Brighton beach this morning,” council leader Bella Sankey said on Wednesday.
“My thoughts go out to the friends and families of these women and I offer my sincerest condolences on behalf of Brighton and Hove.
“I would also like to thank the emergency services for their rapid response and concerted efforts; it is heartbreaking that rescue efforts ended in such tragic circumstances.”
The beach, which was largely closed throughout the day as investigations continued and officers left the scene, has now reopened to the public.
The coastguard is said to have conducted an “extensive search” and is not looking for anyone else, according to police.
HM Coastguard told Independent It was reported that helicopters and rescue teams arrived from the surrounding area to assist with the work in Brighton after three bodies were found in the sea this morning.
“An HM Coastguard helicopter was sent, as well as Coastguard Rescue Teams from Shoreham, Newhaven, Littlehampton and Birling Gap, and RNLI lifeboats from Brighton, Shoreham and Newhaven,” the statement said.
“Sussex Police and South East Coast Ambulance Service also attended.”
Sussex Police said a number of lines of inquiry were still being investigated following the deaths and asked anyone with more information to contact them online or by calling 101, citing Operation Ledmore.
