Police in Brighton believe they have identified three women whose bodies were found in the sea yesterday.
Emergency services were called to the beach near Black Rock car park, off Madeira Drive, at around 5:45 in the morning.
Three bodies were recovered from the water nearby.
Sussex Police say next of kin have been informed, and formal identification is now taking place.
Their loved ones are being supported by specialist officers following their tragic loss.
An investigation is ongoing to understand how all three women came to be in the water. 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 to continue to gather evidence.
“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.”
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