Three Women's Bodies Recovered from Brighton Sea After Early Morning Search

Three women's bodies were pulled from the sea near Madeira Drive in Brighton after an alarm was raised regarding a person in the water at 05:45 BST. Authorities have not yet identified the women, nor is the cause of their presence in the water established.

Chief Superintendent Adam Hays of Sussex Police stated the incident is a "tragic" one, with inquiries in their "very early stages." The coastguard has concluded its search operations, confirming no further individuals are being sought.

A significant cordon remains in place around the beach at Black Rock. Local residents expressed shock, with one regular sea-swimmer noting the day's rough conditions, which would typically deter swimmers. Another resident described the event as "tragic."

Chief Supt Hays emphasised that the immediate priority is to identify the women and notify their next of kin, acknowledging the "highly distressing" nature of the incident for the community. Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne has called for the public to "refrain from speculation" while investigations proceed.