Brighton beach LIVE: 3 women found dead in sea off UK coast 'were all related'

Brighton Pavilion MP Sian Berry called earlier this week the incident a "devastating, heartbreaking news".

"It's a tragedy I think that has affected everyone in the city," she told BBC Radio Sussex.

"You can feel the emotions from people who talk about it, and the rest of the country as well.

"I'm getting messages from lots people who are not in Brighton who are nevertheless sending their thoughts in our directions. It's a genuine tragedy."

Earlier this week, Chief Superintendent Adam Hays described the deaths as an "utterly heartbreaking tragedy.

He said: “This is an utterly heartbreaking tragedy, and my thoughts are with the loved ones of these three young women after their devastating loss.

“They will remain at the forefront of our minds as we search for the answers their families, and the wider public, desperately seek.

“This is a sensitive investigation that includes a number of hypotheses, and it would not be appropriate to speculate as we to continue to gather evidence.

“I would once again ask for the public’s patience while we establish the full facts, which will be shared publicly as soon as we are able.

“Anyone with information that could help is asked to contact police online or via 101, quoting Operation Ledmore.”

Police have been carrying out "extensive" inquiries since the incident.

The force say they believe they have identified the three women who died in the sea off Brighton beach but the trio are yet to be named publicly.

A police spokesperson said the women's next of kin had been informed and formal identification was now being undertaken.

Sussex police are investigating "a number of hypotheses" with it being unknown how they came to be in the water.

A festival taking place on Brighton beach has gone ahead despite the tragic news. The Great Escape issued a statement following the incident offering "deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the deceased at this difficult time.”

The statement continued: “For those attending The Great Escape 2026, we wish to assure you that Brighton beach is a large public area and the section of beach occupied by The Great Escape Festival site has not been affect by the incident.

“Following guidance from the relevant authorities, festival operations and scheduled performances will continue as planned,” they added.

Police are still analysing CCTV footage from cameras along the coast to try and establish what led to the disaster.

It is feared the trio may have been swept away from shore after paddling out to sea before falling off a coastal shelf.

Reports suggest that on Wednesday morning, when the women were found, there were rough seas caused by strong winds reaching speeds of up to 41mph.

Witnesses reported a severe undercurrent pushing water rapidly eastwards from Brighton Pier toward the Marina.

Robbie Jones became a water safety campaigner after his dad drowned in the sea off Hove Beach in 2021 and spoke to BBC Radio Sussex about the tragedy.

He said: "I know exactly what this is like.

"Grief is hard enough, death is hard enough, but to have grief and loss in these circumstances is truly devastating and it's another kind of layer of burden when it comes to grief."

Brighton and Hove City Council had previously warned beachgoers about the dangers posed by the city’s steep shingle shoreline before the deaths of three women off Brighton beach.

The council issued a warning last November about the risks caused by shifting beach slopes, saying: “These slopes shift with tides and storms, and they can be harder to climb than they look.”

Brighton & Hove City Council leader Bella Sankey said it was "the most devastating news" the city had heard "for a very long time".

"I can't think of anything more tragic or more horrendous really," she told BBC Radio Sussex. "This is the last thing that anyone wants or expects to happen."

Coastguards have said the women may have got into difficulty after stepping off a shingle shelf which descends sharply into deep water.

As previously reported in this blog, a person has taken to social media to claim that the three women who died in the sea on Wednesday morning were all related to them, claiming they were their cousins.

Sussex Police said they believe they have identified all three victims, whose bodies were recovered off Brighton beach after officers were called at 5.45am.

A police spokesman added that their next of kin have been informed, with formal identification still to follow.

As investigations continue into the deaths of three women whose bodies were recovered from the sea off Brighton beach, anyone with information that could help is still being urged to come forward.

Sussex Police have previously said the investigation includes “a number of hypotheses” and urged people not to speculate while enquiries continue.

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation can contact Sussex Police online or via 101, quoting Operation Ledmore.

Brighton Lifeboat Station - RNLI thanked members of the public for their support in the comments of a social media post following the deaths of three women off Brighton beach.

The major emergency response involved Sussex Police, South East Coast Ambulance Service, HM Coastguard, an HM Coastguard helicopter, Coastguard Rescue Teams from Shoreham, Newhaven, Littlehampton and Birling Gap, as well as RNLI crews from Brighton, Shoreham and Newhaven.

Members of the public shared heartfelt messages recognising the emotional toll the incident may have had on volunteers and rescue crews.

One woman wrote:

Another supporter added:

A former crew member also paid tribute, writing:

After, the RNLI station posted:

Brighton residents have spoken of the shock and sadness in the wake of the tragedy.

Speaking to The Argus near Black Rock, local resident Eve Streeter said:

Reflecting on the dangers of the coastline, she added:

A Brighton seafront bench has become a place of tribute and reflection following the deaths of three women whose bodies were recovered from the sea earlier this week.

Flowers and handwritten messages have been left near Madeira Drive, where emergency services were called on Wednesday morning after concerns for a person in the water.

Members of the public were seen stopping at the bench to pay their respects as investigations into the tragedy continue.

A heartbreaking handwritten tribute has been left on Brighton beach following the deaths of three women whose bodies were recovered from the sea earlier this week.

The emotional message was placed among flowers near the scene close to Madeira Drive, where emergency services were called in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

The note read:

Brighton and Hove City Council had previously warned beachgoers about the dangers posed by the city’s steep shingle shoreline before the deaths of three women off Brighton beach.

Police are continuing to investigate how the women came to be in the water near Madeira Drive, with one theory suggesting they may have accidentally stepped off a sudden drop beneath the sea.

The council issued a warning last November about the risks caused by shifting beach slopes, saying: “These slopes shift with tides and storms, and they can be harder to climb than they look.”

Read more about the Brighton beach warning and the coastguard’s comments on the Express.

Touching message left with a bouquet of flowers for the three deceased women.

It read:

Residents upset by the tragedy continued to leave tributes and flowers for the three young women on Friday.

A mother and daughter laid flowers alongside other bouquets left overnight.

Speaking to BBC Radio Sussex, Brighton Pavilion MP Siân Berry said the deaths of the three women had prompted messages of support from people far beyond the city.

Describing the incident as “devastating, heartbreaking news”, she said the tragedy had deeply affected Brighton and people across the country.

“It’s a tragedy I think that has affected everyone in the city,” she told BBC Radio Sussex.

“You can feel the emotions from people who talk about it, and the rest of the country as well.

“I’m getting messages from lots people who are not in Brighton who are nevertheless sending their thoughts in our directions. It’s a genuine tragedy.”

-Emergency services were called to reports of concern for a person in the water near Black Rock car park, off Madeira Drive, at around 5.45am. On arrival, three bodies were recovered from the sea nearby.

-Police now believe they have identified the three women whose bodies were recovered from the sea off Brighton beach on Wednesday morning.

-Formal identification procedures are now being carried out and the women have not yet been publicly named. Their next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

-Sussex Police said there is currently no evidence to suggest third-party involvement or criminality, but an investigation remains ongoing to establish how all three women came to be in the water.

-Chief Superintendent Adam Hays said the investigation includes “a number of hypotheses” and urged the public not to speculate while officers continue to gather evidence.

-Tributes have continued to be left at the scene, while RNLI crews, water safety groups, local leaders and members of the Brighton community have expressed their condolences.

More heartfelt tributes have been left on Brighton beach following the deaths of three women whose bodies were recovered from the sea earlier this week.

It continued: “You all had so much more to live for. I am so sorry.”

Brighton Swimming Centre has paid tribute following the deaths of three young women whose bodies were recovered from the sea off Brighton beach.

In a statement shared online, the organisation described the incident as a “massive shock” to the city’s swimming community.

The statement said:

Sussex police are continuing their appeal to establish how the three women entered the water.

Anyone with information that could help is asked to contact police online or via 101, quoting Operation Ledmore.

Flowers left at the scene as investigations continue today.

We will bring you more updates as they arrive.

Sussex Police have said that, following extensive enquiries, the force believes it has confirmed the identities of all three women who were found dead at Brighton beach on Wednesday.

Their next of kin have been informed, and formal identification procedures are now being undertaken, police have said, adding that it would not be appropriate to publicly name the women before these procedures are completed.

Their loved ones are being supported by specialist officers following their tragic loss.

Chief Superintendent Adam Hays issued his condolences to the families at the heart of Wednesday's seaside tragedy.

He said: “This is an utterly heartbreaking tragedy, and my thoughts are with the loved ones of these three young women after their devastating loss. They will remain at the forefront of our minds as we search for the answers their families, and the wider public, desperately seek.

"This is a sensitive investigation that includes a number of hypotheses, and it would not be appropriate to speculate as we to continue to gather evidence."

He added: “I would once again ask for the public’s patience while we establish the full facts, which will be shared publicly as soon as we are able."

The trio of young women found dead in Brighton may have fallen victim to the steep coastal shelf, one theory has suggested, which may have seen them swept out to sea.

Investigators are believed to be looking at the possibility the three women lost their footing when the shingle shelf dropped away quickly.

Locals in Brighton say the seabed falls away dramatically not far from the beach and the shingle shelf can make paddling too far out dangerous. Regular warnings are issued to visitors to take extra care as the seabed falls away dramatically not far from the water's edge.

The trio of women who died at Brighton beach have all come from the same family, it has been reported.

The three were wiped out in the same tragedy early on Wednesday morning after the emergency services received reports of concerns for a woman in the sea.

As reported by the Mirror, one person, purporting to be a relative based in Jamaica, said: "My mum just called me to tell me the bodies of the three women that were found in Brighton Beach are my cousins.

"I am in complete shock because …… All three of the girls one time." Asked "Are they all from Jamaica?", the relative replied: "No they are not".

Some newspapers have claimed the trio were visiting from London when disaster struck.

-Wednesday, 5.45am: Emergency services called to reports of a person in the water near Madeira Drive and Black Rock car park.

-Shortly after: Bodies of three women recovered from the sea off Brighton beach.

-Around 6am: Major rescue operation launched involving RNLI lifeboats, HM Coastguard helicopter and rescue teams.

-Morning: Police cordon put in place along Brighton seafront as searches continue.

-Late morning: Air Ambulance arrives at the scene from Redhill Aerodrome.

-Around 12.30pm: Sussex Police hold media briefing and confirm they are not searching for anyone else.

-Afternoon: Coastguard completes extensive search of the water.

-Afternoon: Tributes paid by local MPs and Brighton and Hove council leader Bella Sankey.

-Evening: Brighton beach reopens after major emergency response stands down.

-Wednesday evening: Police quash reports the women had attended Quarters nightclub before entering the water.

-Thursday morning: Police say they believe they have identified the three deceased women

-Thursday afternoon: Protest cancelled in Brighton as a result of tragedy

-Thursday evening: Women still not publicly identified as community, families grieve

Brighton and Hove City Council leader Bella Sankey has said that city bosses are reviewing safety measures following the deaths.

“As a seaside city, we know how much people value our beaches, and we take our responsibility for safety extremely seriously,” Ms Sankey said.

“Lifeguard provision, patrols and safety measures are in place, and we are reviewing other safety measures to ensure we are doing everything we can.

“While we always work to make the seafront as safe as possible, tragedies like this are a stark reminder of the challenges involved.”

It is understood one line of inquiry being explored is that the women may have entered the water from the beach, near where they were found, and got into difficulty.

A bunch of yellow tulips and white carnations were left at the scene on Thursday.

Members of the public have been pictured leaving floral tributes at Brighton beach following the deaths of three women whose bodies were recovered from the sea earlier this week.

An investigation is ongoing to determine how all three women came to be in the water.

The police say there is no evidence to suggest third-party involvement or criminality.

The Brighton leg of the Surfers Against Sewage Paddle Out Protest, originally scheduled for Saturday, May 16, has been cancelled.

The event was cancelled out of respect for the three women who lost their lives.

The protest was set to take place at Brighton West Pier at 10.30am.

Brighton & Hove City Council leader Bella Sankey said it was "the most devastating news" the city had heard "for a very long time".

"I can't think of anything more tragic or more horrendous really," she told BBC Radio Sussex. "This is the last thing that anyone wants or expects to happen."

Flowers have been laid at the scene where the bodies of three women have been recovered from the sea off Brighton beach.

In tribute to to three women who lost their lives, people have began leaving flowers close to the spot where they were found.

Eve Streeter, who lives nearby, said the whole of Brighton has been "shaken" by the news.

She said: "It’s such upsetting news. It shocks the whole city, it’s a tragedy that belongs to the city. This is our water.

"I’ve had people from London messaging me about it, saying 'god, what news. It must be shocking for the whole city.' And it properly is. It’s horrible.

"The beach is a place of holiday and happiness, but every now and again we’re reminded that it’s brutal and it’s dangerous. And we forget that at our peril."

As a reminder, earlier today the police confirmed they have identified the three women found at sea yesterday.

A spokesperson for Sussex Police said: "Following extensive enquiries, we believe we have now identified all three women. Their next of kin have been informed and formal identification procedures are now being undertaken.

"It would not be appropriate to publicly name the women before these procedures are completed.

"Their loved ones are being supported by specialist officers following their tragic loss."

Newhaven RNLI have issued a statement after their "all-weather lifeboat" assisted in the incident yesterday.

A spokesperson for Newhaven RNLI said: “Yesterday morning, our all-weather lifeboat launched to assist with an incident in Brighton, joining other rescue agencies and colleagues from Brighton and Shoreham RNLI.

"Our thoughts are with the families and friends of those affected by this tragic loss.”

-Sussex Police have said they have formally identified the three women whose bodies were recovered from the sea off Brighton beach on Wednesday morning.

-The force is awaiting procedures to complete before publicly naming

-Officers said there is currently no evidence to suggest third-party involvement or criminality.

-Chief Superintendent Adam Hays said the investigation includes “a number of hypotheses” and urged the public not to speculate while enquiries continue.

-A Coastguard source suggested the women may have been caught out by a sudden drop beneath Brighton’s steep shingle shoreline after entering the water. Police and HM Coastguard are yet to officially establish the cause of the deaths, however.

-Tributes continued to pour in from RNLI stations, water safety organisations, local politicians and community groups across Brighton and Sussex.

-The Great Escape Festival confirmed the event will continue as planned

- Paddle-Out Protest 2026 organised by Surfers Against Sewage, was cancelled as a mark of respect

Volunteer surf lifesaving and water safety club, King Alfred Lifesaving Club, has paid tribute following the deaths of three women whose bodies were recovered from the sea off Brighton beach.

In a statement posted online, the club said:

"We at King Alfred Lifesaving Club, alongside our friends at Brighton Surf and the rest of Brighton & Hove Water Safety partners which to express our deepest condolences to the families and friends of those who lost their lives yesterday in Brighton.

"Thank you to all the emergency services and take care of the community around you at this time."

A new theory has emerged after three women were found dead in the sea off Brighton Beach earlier this week.

A Coastguard source has now suggested the women may have been caught out by a sudden drop beneath Brighton’s steep shingle shoreline.

Read the full theory and the reasoning behind it on the Express.

Police and HM Coastguard have not officially confirmed the cause of the deaths as the investigation continues.

NoFit State Circus also cancelled a performance in Brighton following the deaths of three women whose bodies were recovered from the sea off the city’s seafront.

The company confirmed that Wednesday evening’s performance of CARNATION would not go ahead “as a mark of respect”.

It added:

Surfers Against Sewage in Brighton, Hove and Shoreham has cancelled a planned protest event following the deaths of three women off Brighton beach.

The group announced that its Paddle-Out Protest, scheduled to take place on May 16, would no longer go ahead “out of respect for the tragic events on Brighton seafront”.

In a statement shared online yesterday, the organisation said:

Newhaven RNLI has paid tribute following the deaths of three women whose bodies were recovered from the sea off Brighton beach.

The lifeboat station confirmed its all-weather lifeboat launched on Wednesday morning to assist emergency services responding to the incident in Brighton.

In a statement shared online, Newhaven RNLI said:

“Yesterday morning, our all-weather lifeboat launched to assist with an incident in Brighton, joining other rescue agencies and colleagues from Brighton and Shoreham RNLI.

Our thoughts are with the families and friends of those affected by this tragic loss.”

Dozens of people continue to pay tribute following Sussex police's update on the formal identification of the three women.

One woman wrote:

Another added:

One man commented:

Another Facebook user suggested setting up GoFundMe page to help with funeral costs for the family.

Anyone with information that could help with the investigation is asked to contact police online or via 101, quoting Operation Ledmore.

Sussex Police has urged the public "not to speculate" as the force is investigating "a number of hypotheses".

Chief Superintendent Adam Hays added:

Emergency services were called to the seafront near Madeira Drive at around 5.45am on Wednesday morning following concerns for a person in the water.

According to reports, two of the women were discovered near Black Rock Beach, while the third was found closer to Brighton Palace Pier.

Speaking to the BBC, Guy Jones, who is from nearby Kemptown, said:

Chief Superintendent Adam Hays, investigating, said:

A spokesperson for Sussex Police said:

A Sussex Police spokesperson said: “Police in Brighton believe they have identified three women whose bodies were found off the beach on Wednesday morning (13 May).

A couple leaves a touching floral tribute this morning to the three deceased women.

Sussex Police Chief Superintendent Adam Hays confirmed yesterday that the force's priority is to identify the three women.

Once the families have been located and their next of kin have been informed, it is likely the force will release a statement to the public and tributes will be paid.

Speaking yesterday, Chief Superintendent Hays said:

Shoreham RNLI paid tribute following the announcents of the deaths of three women whose bodies were recovered.

The lifeboat station confirmed its all-weather lifeboat was launched to assist emergency services during Wednesday morning’s major incident.

Organisers of the Great Escape Festival have paid tribute to the family and friends of the decased confirmed the event has not been affected by the incident.

Speaking on its Instagram page, a spokesperson said:

Brighton Lifeboat Station - RNLI shared a heartfelt message following the announcement of deaths of the three women.

In a statement posted on Facebook , the RNLI station confirmed its volunteer crew had been called out to assist with the incident on Wednesday morning.

The station said: “Our volunteer crew were paged to assist with an incident in Brighton this morning.”

Paying tribute to those affected by the tragedy, the organisation added: “Our thoughts are with the families and all those affected by this tragic loss.”

Brighton residents have spoken of their shock following the deaths of three women whose bodies were discovered in the sea off Brighton beach.

Police are continuing to investigate the tragedy, which has deeply affected the local community.

Local resident Ash Middleton told the BBC the sea along the Brighton coastline can be “quite treacherous”.

He said:

Another Brighton resident, Judy, said the incident had left many people shaken.

She said: “It just makes it feel more poignant and frightening actually that it can happen so close.”

Brighton Surf Life Saving Club has paid tribute to the three young women who tragically lost their lives in the sea at Brighton.

In a heartfelt statement shared online, the club said "

Some of the women’s belongings were reportedly found on the beach near where the bodies were recovered, according to a seafront worker.

Speaking to the Mirror, they said:

Police have not yet officially commented on these details, but did confirm that all three women were fully clothed.

-5.45am: Emergency services called to reports of a person in the water near Madeira Drive and Black Rock car park.

-Shortly after: Bodies of three women recovered from the sea off Brighton beach.

-Around 6am: Major rescue operation launched involving RNLI lifeboats, HM Coastguard helicopter and rescue teams.

-Morning: Police cordon put in place along Brighton seafront as searches continue.

-Late morning: Air Ambulance arrives at the scene from Redhill Aerodrome.

-Around 12.30pm: Sussex Police hold media briefing and confirm they are not searching for anyone else.

-Afternoon: Coastguard completes extensive search of the water.

-Afternoon: Tributes paid by local MPs and Brighton and Hove council leader Bella Sankey.

-Evening: Brighton beach reopens after major emergency response stands down.

-Wednesday evening: Police quash reports the women had attended Quarters nightclub before entering the water.

-Latest: Women still not formally identified as enquiries continue.

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.”

The identities of the three women has not yet been disclosed as police continue to investigate the incident.

It is understood that the women were approximately 20 to 30 years old.

The police have said they are still working hard to identify the three women and understand exactly what happened.

It is understood that contrary to some reports, the three women are currently not thought to have attended Quarters nightclub off Kings Road prior to entering the water.

The leader of Brighton and Hove City Council, 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 heartbreaking that their recovery efforts have ended in such tragic circumstances.”

Locals have expressed shock and sadness in the wake of the tragic discovery of the bodies of three women in the water at Brighton beach in the early hours of Wednesday (May 13) morning.

One local, who had been feeding birds near the scene at around 6am, told The Sun: “It was extremely windy, cold and choppy in the water. I’m not sure why anyone would have been in the sea. What’s happened is awful.”

A second person said: “It’s absolutely tragic. I heard they were found close to the shore and pulled out, but nothing could be done to save them. There were loads of ambulances and police here from very early."

They added: “It is very, very windy and there is a strong current that pushes people east from the pier.”

Hove and Portslade MP Peter Kyle has spoken out about Wednesday's tragic news out of Brighton after the bodies of three women were recovered from the sea.

"[Today's news] was a sobering and heartbreaking reminder that our families, neighbours and communities are what is important," he said, as per the Brighton and Hove News.

“I am desperately upset for the families and friends of these women.“At these tragic times I also think about the coastguard and the police. So I’ve also written a letter of thanks to them – their courage and bravery is to be so admired."

He then recalled another tragedy at sea in recent years.“In 2021, a wonderful man, Gareth Jones, drown off the Hove coast and his son (Rob) continues to this day to campaign around water safety with the National Water Safety Forum," he said.

“I hope one day he can achieve 100 per cent success."

Three women whose bodies were recovered in the sea off Brighton beach are not believed to have attended a nightclub prior to entering the water, the Press Association understands.

It is believed the women may have entered the water from the beach near to where they were found, before getting into difficulty in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

Police are still working to identify the bodies of the three women found dead at Brighton beach earlier today.

"We are working hard to follow up a number of lines of enquiry to identify the three women and understand exactly what has happened," Sussex Police said in an update on Wednesday evening.

The BBC reports that the seas off the coast of Brighton this morning were really rough with strong winds driving waves to crash against the shoreline.

Chief Superintendent Adam Hays said: "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.

"Anyone with information that could help is asked to contact police online or via 101, quoting Operation Ledmore."

Sussex Police says inquiries are ongoing after three bodies were discovered in the sea off Brighton beach this morning and the beach has now re-opened.

"The beach has now reopened and our officers have left the scene, following a significant operation which began at 5.45am," the force said.

"Emergency services were first called to concern for a single person in the water near Black Rocks car park in Madeira Drive. On arrival, two more bodies were sadly recovered from the sea nearby," the statemenrt adds.

The three women who drowned at sea in Brighton were around 20 to 30 years old, according to ITV News.

The trio were reportedly first spotted at Brighton’s Palace Pier before drifting to the marina.

Sussex Police has released the following update:

Here are some images from throughout the day at Brighton seafront, following the discovery of three women’s bodies at sea.

Labour MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven Chris Ward said it was "deeply tragic news and understandably very concerning for our community and everyone affected".He added: "I would like to thank our emergency services for their swift response and the difficult work they continue to carry out at the scene."

Here are some images of police officers searching along Brighton beach earlier today.

Police have confirmed the bodies of three females have been found today.

A festival event in Brighton has been cancelled following the death of the three young women.

The Brighton Festival has confirmed that tonight’s performance of Carnation at the Big Top, near the police cordon, has been cancelled.

Those who have tickets will be contacted.

A spokeswoman for the festival said: "We are deeply saddened to hear today's news and our thoughts are with the individuals and their families.

"Tonight's performance of carnation has been cancelled. We will be in touch with affected bookers shortly."

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.

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.

Chief Superintendent Adam Hays told reporters that CCTV inquiries are being carried out.

The beach will remain closed east of Volks Railway Black Rock car park for at least the rest of the afternoon, police said.

Sussex Police say they are in the very early stages of enquiries into this "tragic incident." The force say their priority is to identify all three women and contact their next of kin.

Ch Supt Adam Hays said police are working hard with their partners to understand exactly what has happened, including reviewing CCTV footage from the surrounding area.

The beach will remain closed for the rest of the afternoon.

The bodies of three women recovered from Brighton beach have not yet been identified by police.

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has issued the following statement:

Here is a stament from the South East Ambulance Service:

Jilly Francis, who lives close to the scene, described the discovery of the bodies this morning as "horrifying," the BBC reports.

She believes this is the "worst" incident she has known to happen in the area.

Asked whether this section of the beach is popular with swimmers, Pam Hinchliffe said: "It seems to me that people tend to swim down by the pier, or by Sea Lanes, or over in Hove."

Here is a recap on what's happened:

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

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

The coastguard has finished its search and Sussex Police's Chief Superintendent Adam Hays says they are not looking for anyone else.

The leader of Brighton and Hove council, Bella Sankey, said she was "shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the deaths" and that her heart went out to the friends and family of the women.

Brighton Beach is to remain closed for rest of afternoon.

The public is being asked to stay away from the area while officers work at the scene.

Katy Bourne, the police and crime commissioner for Sussex Police, described the incident as "awful" and sent her thoughts to the friends and loved ones of the deceased.

She wrote on X: "We must allow police to investigate and refrain from speculation at this time."

The bodies of three women were recovered from the water near Madeira Drive.

The beach remains closed and is expected to be all afternoon following the discovery of three women's bodies.

Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven MP, 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."

Brighton Council leader Bella Sankey said she is "shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the deaths".

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 & 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."

Chief Superintendent Hays said: "At around 5.45 this morning emergency services were called to Brighton beach to concerns for the welfare of a person in the water.

"Very sadly, a short while after, the bodies of three women were recovered from the sea near Madeira Drive. This is a tragic incident. We are at the very early stages of our enquiries.

"Our priority right now is to identify all three women and contact their next of kin. 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 from the surrounding area, including from properties and local businesses nearby. Our partners in the Coastguard have completed an extensive search of the water, and at this stage we are not searching for anyone else.

"The beach will remain closed east of Volk’s Railway Black Rock car park for at least the rest of the afternoon. We are asking the public to please stay away from the area while we work at the scene.

"Anyone with any information that could help our investigation could contact us online via 101, quoting Operation Ledmore. We will provide further updates as soon as we can."

Chief Superintendent Hays said the force is not searching for anyone else after the bodies of three women were recovered.  

Brighton Beach will remain closed east of Volk's Railway Black Rock car park for at least the rest of the afternoon, and locals have been urged to stay away.

Chief Superintendent Adam Hays said: "At around 5.45 this morning, emergency services were called to Brighton Beach to concerns for the welfare of a person in the water.

"Very sadly, a short while after, the bodies of three women were recovered from the scene near Madeira Drive. This is a tragic incident, and we are at the very early stages of our enquiries.

"Our priority right now is to identify all three women and contact their next of kin. 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 from the surrounding area, including from properties and local businesses nearby. Our partners in the Coastguard are completing an extensive search of the water, and at this stage we are not searching for anyone else."

Sussex Police are due to start their press conference any moment now, which is expected to provide more information on the deaths of the three women.

Brighton Pavilion MP, Sian Berry, says: "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."

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 appears choppy, with waves crashing against the marina wall.

Sussex Police have said the searches off Brighton Beach are ongoing after the bodies of three women were found.

Drone footage from the scene shows search and rescue teams combing the beach, while a lifeboat patrols the waters.

New footage from the scene shows search and rescue teams still at the scene, with police also patrolling the area.

Sussex Police will be holding a media briefing after the bodies of three women were recovered from the sea near Madeira Drive.

The Coastguard said it was responding to the incident, and had sent a helicopter as well as rescue teams from Shoreham, Newhaven, Littlehampton and Birling Gap, and three RNLI lifeboats from Brighton and Shoreham.

Flight tracking data shows an Air Ambulance has arrived on scene from Redhill Aerodrome, where it departed at 10.36am.

HM Coastguard said: “HM Coastguard is responding to an incident reported at Brighton beach at about 5.50am on 13 May,” it said.

“An HM Coastguard helicopter has been sent as well as Coastguard Rescue Teams from Shoreham, Newhaven, Littlehampton and Birling Gap, and three RNLI lifeboats from Brighton and Shoreham.

“Sussex Police and the South East Coast Ambulance Service have also attended.”

New images from the scene show Coastguard vans inside the police cordon as officers patrol the area.

New images from the scene show the police cordon in place, with officers and police cars still at the scene near Madeira Drive.

The bodies of three women have been recovered from Brighton Beach near Madeira Drive, Sussex Police confirmed. 

Emergency services were called at around 5.45am this morning due to concerns for the welfare of the women. 

RNLI boats were spotted in the water, and a heavy police presence remains at the scene, with a cordon in place. 

Chief Superintendent Adam Hays said: “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.”

There remains a large presence at the beach this morning.

Sussex Police confirmed that the bodies of three women were recovered from the water near Madeira Drive.

Sussex Police said: "Emergency services were called to concerns for the welfare of three women in the sea off Brighton at around 5.45am this morning (13 May). Sadly, the bodies of three women were recovered from the water near Madeira Drive."

Chief Superintendent Adam Hays said: "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."

Chief Superintendent Adam Hays said: "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."

Chief Superintendent Adam 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.”

Sussex Police said: "Emergency services were called to concerns for the welfare of three women in the sea off Brighton at around 5.45am this morning (13 May). Sadly, the bodies of three women were recovered from the water near Madeira Drive."

A heavy police presence remains around the beach, with a cordon in place.

Brighton Beach is an eight-mile stretch of stony shoreline stretching along the city in the South of England.

Emergency services rushed to Brighton beach this morning after bodies were found on the shore, according to a photographer at the scene.

Coastguard boats were spotted in the water, and there was a huge police presence on the shore.

A local source near the scene told the Daily Express that the bodies belonged to three girls, although this has not been confirmed by police.

Images from the scene show a large police presence in the beach car park.

Coastguard boats were spotted in the water, and there was a huge police presence on the shore.

A local source near the scene told the Daily Express that the bodies belonged to three girls, although this has not been confirmed by police.

Photos show a search underway at the scene