Police are yet to identify the bodies of three women who were recovered from the sea in Brighton in the early hours of Wednesday.
Emergency services were called to the beach after concerns were raised for the women’s welfare at around 5.45am before three bodies were pulled from the water near Madeira Drive.
It is understood that the women were aged between 20 to 30 years old and that they 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.
However, Sussex Police said that the families of the three women “remain unaware they have lost loved ones” as authorities attempt to identify the women and the circumstances that led to their death.
“I understand the impact this tragic incident has had on the local community and more widely,” said Sussex Police Chief Superintendent Adam Hays said in an update on Wednesday evening.
“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.
Brighton and Hove City Council released a statement of sympathy with the families of the women.
“I am shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the deaths of three women off the Brighton coast this morning,” said council leader Bella Sankey in a statement on Wednesday.
“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.”
The beach has now reopened to the public after it was largely closed throughout the day as investigations were underway and officers have left the scene.
The coastguard are said to have 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 the surrounding area to assist with efforts in Brighton after three bodies were recovered from the sea this morning.
“An HM Coastguard helicopter has been sent as well as Coastguard Rescue Teams from Shoreham, Newhaven, Littlehampton and Birling Gap, and RNLI lifeboats from Brighton, Shoreham and Newhaven,” it said in a statement.
“Sussex Police and the South East Coast Ambulance Service have also attended.”
Sussex Police have said that a number of lines of enquiry are still being explored following the deaths and asked anyone with further information to contact them online or on 101, quoting Operation Ledmore.
