We’re working to bring you more details about the incident in Brighton this morning, in which three women’s bodies were recovered from the sea. Here’s what we know so far:
- Emergency services were called at 05:45 BST over concerns about “a person” in the sea, police say
- Three women’s bodies were recovered from the water near Madeira Drive
- The coastguard has finished its search and Sussex Police’s Chief Superintendent Adam Hays says they are not looking for anyone else
- The beach will remain closed for at least the rest of the afternoon
- Three RNLI lifeboats and a number of coatsguard teams took part in the search earlier
- Ch Supt Hays says the priority is to establish the women’s identities
- Police are “working hard with their partners”, including gathering CCTV from nearby homes and businesses, he says
‘My heart goes out to the friends and family of these women’published at 19:22
The leader of Brighton & Hove City Council, Bella Sankey, has released a statement.
She says: “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 & Hove, I send sincere condolences.
“I would also like to thank the emergency services for their quick response and combined efforts. It is heart-breaking that their recovery efforts have ended in such tragic circumstances.”
