Bodies of three women recovered from sea off Brighton

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Sussex police say officers are working to identify the women and understand what happened to them

The bodies of three women have been recovered from the sea off Brighton, police said.

Emergency services were called after concerns were raised for the women’s welfare at about 5.45am on Wednesday, and their bodies were pulled from the water near Madeira Drive.

Emergency workers were initially called to reports of one person in the water, but three bodies were recovered.

Police said fast-moving inquiries were continuing to establish the women’s identities and what had happened to them. It is not known who raised the alarm, or whether the three were part of a larger party.

Ch Supt Adam Hays of Sussex police described it as a tragic incident. “Our priority right now is to identify all three women and contact their next of kin,” he said.

“I know this incident will be highly distressing for the community and we are working hard with our partners to understand exactly what has happened. This includes gathering and reviewing CCTV in the surrounding area, including from properties and local business nearby.”

The coastguard sent a helicopter, rescue teams from Shoreham, Newhaven, Littlehampton and Birling Gap, and three RNLI lifeboats from Brighton and Shoreham.

“Our partners in the coastguard are completing an extensive search of the water and, at this stage, we are not searching for anyone else,” Hays said.

“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 beach will be closed for at least the rest of the afternoon.

Police and coastguard officials were stationed along the seafront and beach during the morning. A lifeboat could be seen out at sea and a helicopter was flying overhead.

The sea was choppy, with waves hitting the marina wall.

The MP for Brighton Pavilion, Siân Berry, said: “Unbearably sad news this morning. My thoughts are with the families and friends of these three women. Huge appreciation for all the work the emergency services are doing in a heartbreaking situation.”

The MP for Brighton, Kemptown and Peacehaven, Chris Ward, said: “This is deeply tragic news and understandably very concerning for our community and everyone affected. I would like to thank our emergency services for their swift response and the difficult work they continue to carry out at the scene.”

The leader of Brighton and Hove city council, Bella Sankey, sent her condolences to the families of the three women

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 heartbreaking that their recovery efforts have ended in such tragic circumstances.”

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