A police investigation is underway in Brighton after three bodies were recovered from the English Channel in the early hours of yesterday morning. Emergency services descended on the coastline near the Marina following a frantic 5.45am call reporting a woman in distress in the water.
However, the scale of the horror soon grew as search teams discovered two more women had also entered the sea. Here is everything we know so far.
The alarm was raised as dawn broke, sparking a massive search and rescue operation along the seafront. Despite the rapid response from paramedics and police, all three women, believed to be aged between 20 and 30, were tragically confirmed dead at the scene.
Conditions at the time were described as challenging, with the water temperature hovering around 12°C. Detectives are currently piecing together the final movements of the trio.
Clues to what happened
Several clues left on the shingle have led investigators to believe the women may have entered the water voluntarily before being overwhelmed by the elements.
Handbags and coats were reportedly found left on the beach, suggesting the group may have stripped off their outer layers before heading into the waves.
Locals suggest the women were wearing “going-out clothes,” sparking theories that a night of celebration ended in a nightmare. There is some confusion over they went to a nightclub before they died. There were reports they’d be to Quarters for a special night, before fresh information said they had not.
Billed as David Attenborough’s 100th birthday bash, last night’s event was said to have been “packed out” with many student spilling out onto the beach.
While the popular beachfront clubs are situated about 1.5 miles west of the discovery site, the Marina area itself is home to various bars and residential flats.
The community has been left reeling by the loss, with witnesses describing a chaotic scene as sirens filled the air.
What were the conditions?
One local, who was near the Marina at 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.”
Another resident 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. It is very, very windy and there is a strong current that pushes people east from the pier.”
Police cordons were established throughout yesterday as forensic teams combed the beach for evidence. While formal identification has yet to take place, authorities are working to notify the next of kin.
What do the police say…
The investigation remains ongoing to determine exactly why the three young women entered the water during such challenging conditions.
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.”
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