The bodies of three women have been recovered from the sea near Brighton Pier following a major emergency response in the early hours of the morning.
Emergency services were called at around 5.45am to reports of concerns for the welfare of three women in the water off Brighton. Sussex Police confirmed that all three were later found in the sea near Madeira Drive.
A large-scale response was launched, involving coastguard boats, a helicopter search and multiple police and ambulance units. A cordon has been put in place along part of the beachfront near Brighton Marina, with officers remaining at the scene.
Police have confirmed that they are not currently searching for anyone else, but enquiries are ongoing to establish the identities of the three women and the circumstances surrounding the incident.
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.”
He added: “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.”
Witnesses described a heavy emergency presence from the early hours, with strong winds and rough sea conditions reported along the coastline at the time.
Early morning sea swimming is common in Brighton, although conditions on the day were described as cold, windy and choppy.