Families of three ladies discovered on seaside nonetheless do not know they’ve died as cops title ‘precedence’
Three women were found dead on Brighton seafront this morning, it is understood police are exploring a number of lines of enquiry as they seek to identify the victims
The bodies of three women were recovered from the sea in Brighton(Image: Anahita Hossein-Pour/PA Media)
The families of three women discovered dead on Brighton’s seafront don’t yet know they’ve lost loved ones, police have said. The young women, thought to be in their late teens to early 20s, were reportedly fully clothed when found.
They have not yet been identified. A statement released by Sussex Police tonight said: “Sussex Police is continuing to investigate the tragic discovery of the bodies of three women in the sea off Brighton beach this morning (13 May).
“The beach has now reopened and our officers have left the scene, following a significant operation which began at 5.45am. 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.
“We are working hard to follow up a number of lines of enquiry to identify the three women and understand exactly what has happened.”
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.”
It is understood police are exploring a number of lines of enquiry, one of which being that the women may have entered the water from the beach near to where they were found and got into difficulty.
Local shopkeepers along Brighton’s seafront suggested the trio had been taking part in a student night at the beachfront club.
Advertised as David Attenborough’s 100th birthday bash, last night’s gathering was reported to be “packed out”, with numerous students spilling onto the beach. One employee stated: “Police were down earlier speaking to people from the club. Apparently their handbags were found on the beach along with a coat. I saw coastguard officers searching for more of their personal belongings like phones.
“It’s absolutely dreadful. The student night is always packed out. I was told students were spilling out onto the beach, smoking and drinking.”
A spokesperson for Quarters commented: “We are aware of an incident that took place on Brighton Beach on Tuesday night. Alongside all other local businesses and venues, we are supporting the police in their enquiries.”
Police have confirmed they are not seeking anyone else in connection with the tragic discovery.
The leader of Brighton and Hove City Council, Bella Sankey, has expressed her sympathies 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.”
In the meantime, Brighton Festival has confirmed that tonight’s performance of Carnation at the Big Top, situated near the police cordon, has been called off.
A representative for the festival stated: “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.
