Police say they believed they have identified three women whose bodies were found in the sea off Brighton beach
In the latest development surrounding the discovery of three women found dead in the water near Brighton beach on Wednesday, police have announced they believe the victims have now been identified.
Emergency services descended on the seafront in the early hours of Wednesday (May 13) morning, with police officers, coastguard crews and a helicopter all joining a frantic search operation. Officers confirmed they had been called to the scene following reports of concern for the welfare of three women in the sea.
Tragically, all three women were recovered from the water and pronounced dead. Police believe the women entered the sea from the nearby beach before getting into difficulty. It is understood the women were aged between 20 and 30 years old, though formal identification has yet to take place, reports the Daily Record.
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).
“Emergency services were called to the beach near Black Rock car park off Madeira Drive at around 5.45am to reports of concern for a person in the water. On arrival, three bodies were sadly recovered from the sea nearby.”
“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.
“An investigation is ongoing to understand how all three women came to be in the water. At this time, there is no evidence to suggest third-party involvement or criminality.”
Chief Superintendent Adam Hays 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.”
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