Three family members die after getting into difficulty in water at Shoreham-by-sea
Emergency services responded to reports earlier this afternoon of four people in difficulty off the coast in West Sussex
Last updated 4 hours ago
Four people were reported to be in trouble in the water at Shoreham Fort in West Sussex, near the RNLI station, shortly before 3pm today (18/08)
Police have now confirmed that three members of the same family from overseas - a man, woman and a teenage girl - have died.
A younger girl was taken to hospital in a critical condition.
Sussex Police Chief Superintendent James Collis said all four were from the same family and their next of kin have been informed.
He added "Our thoughts are with the friends and family.
"I know this incident will have a profound effect on the community."
The coastguard, RNLI, helicopters and ambulances were sent to the scene earlier today, with local people being urged to stay away.
Part of the A259 had been closed for several hours.
A Sussex Police spokesperson said earlier that emergency services were responding to reports of four people in difficulty in the water close to Shoreham Fort.
They added: “A section of the A259 in Shoreham has been closed as the incident remains ongoing, and we’re urging the public to stay clear of the area in the meantime."
The South East Coast Ambulance Service also said they were responding to reports that four people needed medical attention after getting into difficulty in the water.
“We were called shortly after 3pm and have a number of ambulance resources at the scene,” a spokeswoman said.
“We have no further information to share at this time but will provide updates as soon as possible.”
A HM Coastguard spokesman added: “HM Coastguard responded to an incident reported at Shoreham at about 2.45pm on 18 August.
“An HM Coastguard helicopter was sent as well as Littlehampton, Shoreham and Newhaven Coastguard Rescue Teams, and an RNLI lifeboat from Shoreham.
“Sussex Police and South East Coast Ambulance Service also attended.”