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ITV Meridian’s Andy Dickenson reports from Brighton
Police are continuing to investigate the deaths of three women found in the sea off Brighton.
The bodies were found in the early hours on Wednesday morning near Black Rocks car park, in Madeira Drive.
It’s understood the women were approximately 20 to 30 years old and were first spotted at Brighton’s Palace Pier before drifting to the marina.
The beach has since been reopened to the public and officers have left the scene.
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Helicopter footage showed the scale of the response from emergency crews on the scene in Brighton
Sussex Police Chief Superintendent Adam Hays has said the force’s priority is now to identify the women and contact their next of kin.
He 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.”
Local councillors and politicians have paid tribute to the victims, including Councillor Bella Sankey, Leader of Brighton and Hove City Council.
She said she was shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the developments.
Speaking to ITV Meridian she said: “This is an absolutely tragic and horrific incident.
“I know that the people of Brighton and Hove will be thinking of these women today and my heart goes out to them and their loved ones.
“I know that it’s a very fast-moving situation, but I want to pay tribute to our emergency services colleagues who have been leading on this, and I know that the police are working quickly to try and establish the identities of these women, and to find out exactly what has happened.”
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Cllr Bella Sankey, Leader of Brighton and Hove City Council (Lab)
The Labour MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven, Chris Ward said: “My thoughts and condolences are with everyone affected and the families and loved ones.
“It’s obviously a terrible incident and it will have a real impact on the local community.
“It’s right at the heart of my constituency.
“I just want to thank the emergency services, the Coastguard and RNLI, and everyone who was at the scene today.
“It’s a really difficult moment for the city and for the community and my thoughts are with all of those affected.”
Siân Berry, the Green MP for Brighton Pavilion, said: “Unbearably sad news this morning.
“My thoughts are with the families and friends of these three women.
“Huge appreciation for all the work the emergency services are doing in a heartbreaking situation.”
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