The bodies of three women were recovered from the sea in Brighton early today, according to Sussex Police.
Emergency services rushed to the beach with support from a helicopter and two lifeboats this morning, with coastguard in the water and large police presence on the shore.
The response came after concerns for the welfare of three women in the sea off Brighton at around 5.45am.
Chief Superintendent Adam Hays said: “This is a tragic incident and fast-moving enquiries are ongoing to confirm the identities of these three women and understand exactly what has happened.
“I know this is concerning for the community, but I would ask the public to stay away from the scene at this time while emergency services continue their work.
“We will provide further updates as soon as they are available.”
The bodies of three women were reportedly recovered from the water near Madeira Drive - to the east of Brighton Palace Pier.
An investigation to identify the women is now underway.
An investigation to identify the women recovered at Brighton beach is now underway
| PAEight police cars and vans were spotted on the scene, with a cordon established to restrict access to a section of the beach near the car park where the bodies were recovered.
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A helicopter and two lifeboats assisted emergency response at the scene on Brighton beach
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Eight police cars and vans were spotted on the scene
|PA
The RNLI said Brighton Lifeboat and Shoreham All-weather Lifeboat were launched this morning around 6am to assist with the search.
A Sussex Police spokesman said: “Emergency services were called to concerns for the welfare of three women in the sea off Brighton at around 5.45am this morning.
“Sadly, the bodies of three women were recovered from the water near Madeira Drive.”