Brighton Beach live: Three women found dead identified as police probe theories

Sussex Police believe they have identified three women who died in the sea off Brighton this week – investigators have ‘a number’ of theories about how they died

Police believe they have identified the three women whose bodies were recovered from the sea in Brighton this week.

The three women are believed to be aged between 20 and 30. They are thought to have entered the water from the beach close to where they were found, before getting into difficulty in the early hours of Wednesday.

Sussex Police said they had identified the women and their families have been informed, but added: “It would not be appropriate to publicly name the women before these procedures are completed.” Investigators are working on a number of theories about how they died.

Brighton trio were all related, source claims

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.

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.

A timeline of events so far

A timeline of events so far

-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

Comments46

Rachel Vickers-Price

‘The sea can be a risk,’ local MP says

Peter Kyle, MP for Hove and Portslade, said the deaths of the three women was a “sobering and heartbreaking reminder that our families, neighbours and communities are what is important”.

He added: “Our seafront is one of the many jewels in the crown of our city, but the sea can be a risk. However, for tonight I shall only be thinking about the families and friends affected by this tragedy.”

Police guard the beach after the bodies were found on May 13(Image: Getty Images)

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Zahra Khaliq

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‘The seas here are quite treacherous,’ says local swimmer

A swimmer who lives in Brighton Marina has described the conditions at sea as “quite treacherous”.

Ash Middleton told the BBC: “It’s very sad and I think it’s just sad for Brighton as well. I’m a swimmer myself and the seas here are quite treacherous.”

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Zahra Khaliq

‘Utterly heartbreaking tragedy’

It is understood the women were first seen at Brighton Palace Pier before drifting to the marina.

Police say it is possible they may have gone into the sea from the beach and then got into difficulty. There is no evidence to suggest third-party involvement or criminality, officers added.

“This is an utterly heartbreaking tragedy,” Ch Supt Adam Hays, from Sussex Police, said. “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,” he added.

One line of inquiry police are exploring is that the women may have gone into the sea and then got into difficulty(Image: EDDIE MITCHELL)

Comments46

Zahra Khaliq

Three women may have been ‘caught by hidden drop in sea’

A possible explanation has emerged after the deaths of the three women on Brighton Beach, with a coastguard source suggesting they may have been caught by a hidden drop in depth off the shoreline.

The pebbled beach near the Palace Pier is known for its steep slopes, which swimmers have long been warned can be incredibly dangerous.

“It’s feared at least one of the women went into the water for a paddle and was then suddenly dragged into danger after misjudging the shingle shelf,” a Coastguard source told The Sun. “If you took one pace out thinking it’s flat you could go down two feet or more very quickly.

“That can turn things very dangerous very quickly,” the source added.

Comments46

Zahra Khaliq

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Members of the public seen leaving flowers at the scene

Members of the public have been pictured leave floral tributes to the three women found dead at Brighton Beach yesterday.

A police probe is ongoing to establish how the women came to be in the water.

Floral tributes have been left at the scene(Image: Adam Gerrard / Daily Mirror)

An invesitation into the tragedy is ongoing(Image: Adam Gerrard / Daily Mirror)

Comments46

Zahra Khaliq

What do we know so far?

Emergency services were called to a section of Brighton Beach at around 5:45am on Wednesday to reports of concern for a person’s welfare. On arrival, three bodies were sadly recovered from the sea.

Police said the three deceased women are thought to have entered the water from the beach close to where they were found – near Black Rocks car park in Madeira Drive – before getting into difficulty in the early hours of Wednesday.

In an update this morning, Sussex Police said they believe they have identified the women following extensive enquiries. Their next of kin have been informed and formal identification procedures are now being undertaken.

A spokesperson said: “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 the women came to be in the water. Police say there is no evidence to suggest third-party involvement or criminality.

Chief Superintendent Adam Hays said that Sussex Police is investigating a “number of hypotheses” as evidence continues to be gathered.

Flowers laid at the scene where the bodies of the three women were recovered(Image: Anahita Hossein-Pour/PA Wire)

Comments46

Zahra Khaliq

‘Utterly heartbreaking tragedy…’

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.”

Comments46

Ethan Blackshaw

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Protest cancelled in Brighton as a result of tragedy

The Brighton leg of ‘Paddle-Out’, an annual nationwide protest led by the Surfers Against Sewage campaign group, has been cancelled as a result of the tragedy.

A statement on the group’s website reads: “Please note: due to this week’s tragic incident in Brighton, the Paddle-Out Protests at Brighton West Pier and Rottingdean have been cancelled. Our thoughts are with everyone impacted. All other protests across the UK (and online) are still going ahead.”

Comments46

Eliana Nunes

‘I can’t think of anything more tragic or more horrendous,’ says council leader

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.”

Comments46

Eliana Nunes

Brighton has been ‘shaken’

Locals, who did not know the women, have begun leaving floral tributes close to the spot where they were found.

Eve Streeter, who lives nearby, said the whole city had 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.”

Comments46

Patrick Hill

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Newhaven RNLI pay tribute after its lifeboat was involved in search

Newhaven RNLI has paid tribute following the deaths of three women 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.”

Comments46

Tim Hanlon

Brighton RNLI offers condolences after ‘tragic loss’

Brighton Life Boat Station today said its thoughts are with those affected following the “tragic loss”.

In a statement on Facebook it said: “Our volunteer crew were paged to assist with an incident in Brighton.”

It added: “Our thoughts are with the families and all those affected by this tragic loss.”

A lifeboat team involved in the search operation on Wednesday(Image: EDDIE MITCHELL)

Comments46

Tim Hanlon

Local tells of how ‘treacherous’ the sea is off Brighton

Brighton Marina resident Ash Middleton said: “It’s very sad and I think it’s just sad for Brighton as well. I’m a swimmer myself and the seas here are quite treacherous.”

While Judy, also from the Marina, told the BBC: “It just makes it feel more poignant and frightening actually that it can happen so close.”

And Guy Jones said: “It’s very sad for all of us who associate this part of the coastline with happiness and peace. To have lost three young women in the prime of their lives brings a great sadness to the whole community, as well obviously to the family and friends.”

Comments46

Tim Hanlon

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Hundreds of messages of condolences have been posted online following the tragedy

Many people have spoken of their sadness and offered condolences after the bodies of three women were found in Brighton.

One person wrote: “This incident has really saddened me. We often see one body pulled from the sea which is always so very sad, but not 3 at the same time. My heart goes out to their friends, families but also to all the services involved in their deaths from RNLI, police, coroners, undertakers and so many more.

Another wrote: “Desperately sad. Devastating for their families and friends. My thoughts with their loved ones. Also with the local emergency services on duty, including, Police, coastguard and RNLI.”

And a further said: “Thoughts with their family and friends but also with the officers and Rescue teams (many who are volunteers) involved.”

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Tim Hanlon

Police appeal for information

Anyone with information that could help the ongoing investigation is asked to contact Sussex Police online or via 101, quoting Operation Ledmore, Chief Superintendent Adam Hays said.

The force is investigating a “number of hypotheses” following the discovery of three bodies in the sea near Brighton yesterday morning.

Comments46

Eliana Nunes

Sussex Police is looking at a ‘number of hypotheses’

Chief Superintendent Adam Hays said that Sussex Police is investigating a “number of hypotheses” as evidence continues to be gathered.

“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 stated.

“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.”

C/Supt Adam Hays says the investigation is continuing into the deaths(Image: Getty Images)

Comments46

Tim Hanlon

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Investigation continues into how the women came to be in the water

An update from police says they are investigating how the women came to be in the water but they say there is no evidence of a crime.

A statement from Sussex Police said: 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.”

Flowers left after the three women died(Image: Adam Gerrard / Daily Mirror)

Comments46

Tim Hanlon

Police offer condolences as three women ‘believed to be identified’

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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Tim Hanlon

Police ‘believe they have identified women’ whose bodies were found

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.”

Comments46

Tim Hanlon

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Local MP tells of ‘upset’ for families and friends of women

Local MP Peter Kyle says he is “desperately upset” for the loved ones of the women whose bodies were found off Brighton beach yesterday.

He wrote on Facebook that the news was “a sobering and heartbreaking reminder that our families, neighbours and communities are what is important”.

He continued: “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.”

Comments46

Tim Hanlon

Fears women swept away after ‘falling off coastal shelf’

It is feared the three young women could have been swept away from shore after paddling out to sea before falling off a coastal shelf.

Locals in Brighton say the seabed falls away dramatically not far from the beach. The shingle shelf can make paddling too far out dangerous.

Regular warnings are issued to visitors to take extra care – especially around the Palace Pier area where the shingle is steepest.

Investigators are believed to be looking at the possibility the three women lost their footing when the shingle dropped away underfoot. Safety advice if you see somebody getting into trouble at sea is not to go in after them, dial 999 and keep watch.

Rescue teams on the beach(Image: Getty Images)

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Patrick Hill

What police said in latest statement as identification of women ongoing

Sussex Police Chief Superintendent Adam Hays says that the priority is to identify the three women.

“I understand the impact this tragic incident has had on the local community and more widely,” he said in his last update on Wednesday.

“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.”

Comments46

Tim Hanlon

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Brighton RNLI offers condolences after ‘tragic loss’

Brighton Life Boat Station says its thoughts are with those affected following the “tragic loss”.

In a statement on Facebook it said: “Our volunteer crew were paged to assist with an incident in Brighton this morning. Our thoughts are with the families and all those affected by this tragic loss.”

A lifeboat involved in the rescue operation(Image: EDDIE MITCHELL)

Comments46

Tim Hanlon

Resident tells how sea is ‘quite treacherous’ off Brighton beach

A local has said how the sea off the coast of Brighton is “quite treacherous”.

Police are continuing to investigate the deaths of three women whose bodies were found in the water off Brighton beach.

Ash Middleton, reported the BBC, said: “It’s very sad and I think it’s just sad for Brighton as well.” And Ash added: “I’m a swimmer myself and the seas here are quite treacherous.”

Judy, also from Brighton, said: “It just makes it feel more poignant and frightening actually that it can happen so close.”

A resident has seen the sea can be “treacherous” off Brighton(Image: Adam Gerrard / Daily Mirror)

Comments46

Tim Hanlon

Brighton surf club’s ‘gratitude’ to emergency services after tragedy

Brighton Surf Life Saving Club has posted a message offering “deepest condolences” to those who knew the three women who died.

It said: “Considering today’s tragic events, Brighton Surf Lifesaving Club wishes to express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the three young ladies who tragically lost their lives in the sea at Brighton.”

It continued: “Our thoughts are with their loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. We also extend our sincere gratitude and support to all rescue and emergency services personnel involved in responding to this heartbreaking tragedy. Alongside the wider Brighton community, we stand united in mourning this devastating loss of life.”

Comments46

Patrick Hill

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Local in Brighton calls discovery of bodies ‘horrifying’

Jilly Francis, who lives close to the scene, described the discovery of the bodies on Wednesday morning as “horrifying”.

She added 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, the BBC reports, said: “It seems to me that people tend to swim down by the pier, or by Sea Lanes, or over in Hove.”

Comments46

Tim Hanlon

ICYMI: Latest from police on investigation

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.”

Sussex Police Chief Sup Ind Adam Hayes and Graham Eastern from HMCG Coastguard speaking to the press earlier today(Image: EDDIE MITCHELL)

Comments46

Peter Hennessy

What we know so far about three women who died in tragic incident

Investigations are still ongoing this morning after the tragic incident on Brighton beach, and the identities of those who sadly lost their lives is still not yet public.

It is understood that they 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.