Bodies of three women recovered from sea in Brighton
Police urge public to stay away while identities are confirmed
Last updated 3 hours ago
Sussex Police have confirmed the bodies of three women have been recovered from the sea in Brighton early this morning (13 May).
Emergency services were called out just before 6am after concerns were raised for the welfare of the women near Madeira Drive.
Police say enquiries are ongoing to confirm their identities and understand what happened, and they're urging people to stay away from the area while work continues.
Chief Superintendent Adam Hays told reporters the coastguard is completing an “extensive search of the water”, but the force is not searching for anyone else.
The officer said CCTV inquiries are being carried out.
He continued:
“This is a tragic incident and fast-moving enquiries are ongoing to confirm the identities of these three women and understand exactly what has happened.
“I know this is concerning for the community, but I would ask the public to stay away from the scene at this time while emergency services continue their work.
“We will provide further updates as soon as they are available.”
The coastguard said it is responding to the incident, and has sent a helicopter as well as rescue teams from Shoreham, Newhaven, Littlehampton and Birling Gap, and three RNLI lifeboats from Brighton and Shoreham.
Police and coastguard officials were stationed along the seafront and on the shingle beach during the morning, where a lifeboat could be seen out at sea and a helicopter was flying overhead.
The sea appeared choppy, with waves crashing against the marina wall.