Bodies of three young women pulled from sea off Brighton

The bodies of three young women have been recovered from the sea off the coast of Brighton.

Sussex Police said a search was launched after concerns were raised for the welfare of a person in the sea at 05:45 BST. The women have not been identified.

It is not yet known how the women came to be in the water, but the coastguard has ended its search and said it was not looking for anyone else.

Ch Supt Adam Hays said: "This is a tragic incident. We are at the very early stages of our inquiries."

It is understood that the women were about 20 to 30 years old and were first spotted at Brighton Palace Pier before drifting to the marina, PA Media reported.

The bodies were pulled from the water near Madeira Drive, which runs along the beachfront.

A large cordon was put in place around the beach at Black Rock, which will remain until at least Wednesday evening, police said.

Sussex police and crime commissioner has asked the public to "refrain from speculation".

Most of the emergency services had left the scene by the afternoon, with three police vans remaining.

Many people in the community expressed shock after the incident.

Jilly Francis, a regular sea-swimmer in the area, said: "I live very close by and this is the worst I think I've heard of anything happening.

"Today is very rough, so I'd be surprised if they were regular swimmers. I wouldn't swim today because it's too rough, but I normally swim in the summer when it's calmer.

"There can be rips or currents, but most of the time this particular bit of the beach is quite safe."

Pam Hinchliffe, a local resident who was visiting the beach, said: "It's tragic. My understanding is it was very early in the morning, so you start thinking, 'what could possibly have caused that?' It's a tragedy."

Hays, who described the women as "young" to reporters, added: "Our priority right now is to identify all three women and contact their next of kin.

"I know this incident will be highly distressing for the community, and we are working hard with our partners to understand exactly what has happened."

Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven MP, Chris Ward, said it was "understandably very concerning for our community and everyone affected".

The leader of Brighton & Hove City Council, Bella Sankey, said she was "shocked and deeply saddened.

"My heart goes out to the friends and family of these women and on behalf of Brighton & Hove, I send sincere condolences."

Sian Berry, MP for Brighton Pavilion MP, added: "Unbearably sad news this morning. My thoughts are with the families and friends of these three women."

The police and crime commissioner for Sussex Police described the incident as "awful".

Katy Bourne said in a post on X that her thoughts were with the friends and loved ones of the three women who died.

She added: "We must allow police to investigate and refrain from speculation at this time."

Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.