Police are continuing efforts to identify three young women whose bodies were discovered in the sea off the coast of Brighton in the early hours of Wednesday morning. In a statement released on Wednesday evening, Sussex Police confirmed officers were pursuing “multiple lines of enquiry” to establish the identities of the women and determine the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

Chief Superintendent Adam Hays described the incident as deeply distressing for both the local community and the wider public.

He said: “We understand the significant impact this tragic event has had across the community. This remains a highly sensitive investigation, and while there is understandable public interest, our immediate focus is on identifying the three women and locating their families, who are currently unaware of their loss.

“We ask the public for patience as these enquiries continue and urge people not to speculate while the investigation remains ongoing.”

Emergency services were first called to the seafront at around 5.45am following reports concerning the welfare of a person in the water. Shortly afterwards, three bodies were recovered from the sea near Madeira Drive.

Authorities have confirmed they are not searching for any additional individuals.

A section of the seafront close to Brighton Marina remains cordoned off while investigators continue forensic work and examine CCTV footage from nearby homes and businesses. Numerous police vehicles and officers have maintained a visible presence throughout the day.

Witnesses described a major emergency response at the scene on Wednesday morning, involving police units, search and rescue teams from HM Coastguard, and multiple lifeboat crews from Royal National Lifeboat Institution.

An HM Coastguard helicopter was also seen circling above the water during the search operation, alongside rescue teams from Shoreham, Newhaven, Littlehampton and Birling Gap. Lifeboats from Brighton and Shoreham were launched at approximately 6am before later being stood down.

Investigators have yet to establish how the women entered the water or what events led up to the incident. Local residents reported that Brighton beachfront had been particularly busy on Tuesday night, with large crowds gathering along the seafront into the early hours.

Sources close to the rescue operation indicated the women were believed to be in their late teens or early twenties and were fully clothed when recovered from the sea. It is understood they were initially seen near Brighton Palace Pier before drifting toward the marina.

Residents also noted that a nearby nightclub event, hosted at Quarters beach club, had attracted large numbers of students overnight. The weekly student event reportedly ended around 4am, with many attendees remaining on the beach afterwards.

Speaking at a press conference near the scene on Wednesday lunchtime, Chief Superintendent Hays reiterated that identifying the women and informing their next of kin remained the force’s top priority.

He added: “We are working closely with partner agencies to understand exactly what has happened. This includes gathering and reviewing CCTV footage from surrounding businesses and residential properties.

“Our Coastguard partners have completed an extensive search of the water and, at this stage, we are not looking for anyone else.”

Reacting to the incident, Bella Sankey said she was “shocked and deeply saddened” by the deaths.

“My thoughts are with the families and friends of these women,” she said. “On behalf of Brighton and Hove, I offer my sincere condolences.”

Meanwhile, Chris Ward described the incident as “deeply tragic news” for the local community.

“I want to thank the emergency services for their swift response and for the difficult work they continue to undertake at the scene,” he said.

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