Public urged not to speculate as bodies recovered in Brighton
A police investigation continues
Sussex's Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne is urging the public not to speculate after the bodies of three women were pulled from the sea in Brighton.
Police are continuing to investigate after being called to Madeira Drive over welfare concerns at around 5:45am yesterday morning.
The bodies were pulled from the water near the Madeira Wall shortly after.
In a tweet, Katy Bourne wrote: "This is awful news and my thoughts are with their friends and loved ones.
"We must allow police to investigate and refrain from speculation at this time."
Police say they're "at the very early stages" of their inquiries, and have started to review CCTV footage from nearby homes and businesses.
The leader of Brighton and Hove City Council, Bella Sankey, has also sent her condolences.
In a statement, she said: “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 and 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.”