Police give identity update on three women whose bodies were found off popular beach
Police in Brighton believe they have identified the three women whose bodies were found off the beach yesterday morning.
On Wednesday (13 May), Sussex police confirmed that they had recovered the bodies, with 'fast-moving inquiries' going on to work out who they are and how they died.
In a fresh update issued today (14 May), investigators have revealed they have 'a number of hypotheses'.
Emergency services were called to the beach near Black Rock car park off Madeira Drive at around 5.45am to reports of concern for a person in the water.
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On arrival, the three bodies were tragically recovered from the sea nearby, and following 'extensive enquiries', authorities now believe they have identified all three women.
Police confirmed in a press release that their next of kin have been informed and formal identification procedures are now being undertaken.
However, they outlined that it's 'not appropriate to publicly name them before these procedures are completed'. The loved ones of the three women are also being supported by specialist officers following their tragic loss.
'An utterly heartbreaking tragedy'
An investigation is now ongoing to understand how all three women came to be in the water, and police determined that at this time, there is 'no evidence to suggest third-party involvement or criminality'.
Chief Superintendent Adam Hays said: “This is an utterly heartbreaking tragedy, and my thoughts are with the loved ones of these three young women after their devastating loss.
“They will remain at the forefront of our minds as we search for the answers their families, and the wider public, desperately seek.
“This is a sensitive investigation that includes a number of hypotheses, and it would not be appropriate to speculate as we continue to gather evidence."
He added: “I would once again ask for the public’s patience while we establish the full facts, which will be shared publicly as soon as we are able.
“Anyone with information that could help is asked to contact police online or via 101, quoting Operation Ledmore."
The leader of Brighton and Hove City Council, Bella Sankey, has also sent her condolences to the families of the three women.
In a statement, she said: “I am shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the deaths of three women off the Brighton coast this morning.
“My heart goes out to the friends and family of these women, and on behalf of Brighton and Hove, I send sincere condolences.
“I would also like to thank the emergency services for their quick response and combined efforts; it is heartbreaking that their recovery efforts have ended in such tragic circumstances.”
Madison Burgess