The ages of three women tragically found dead in the water at Brighton Beach have been revealed, as police ask for patience while trying to establish exactly what happened. Emergency services swarmed the beach on the morning of May 13, after concerns were raised for a woman's welfare at around 5.45am. Three bodies were sadly recovered from the water near Madeira Drive.
According to reports, the women are understood to have been aged between 20 and 30 years old. They are believed to have entered the sea from the beach near where they were found, before getting into difficulty. Sussex Police confirmed that several lines of enquiry are still being pursued following the tragic deaths.
Police Statement
Police have stated they are continuing their efforts to identify the three women and ascertain exactly what transpired. Sussex Police Chief Superintendent Adam Hays said in an update on Wednesday evening: 'I understand the impact this tragic incident has had on the local community and more widely. 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.'
Emergency Response
Police and coastguard officials were positioned along the seafront and on the pebble beach during the morning, where a lifeboat could be spotted out at sea and a helicopter was circling overhead. The sea looked turbulent, with waves battering the marina wall.
Community Reaction
Brighton and Hove City Council leader Bella Sankey said her heart went out to the women's families. 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.'
The beach has now reopened and officers have departed the scene. Sussex Police have urged anyone with additional information to contact them online or on 101, quoting Operation Ledmore.
