An aerial view of a bustling coastal cityscape, featuring a prominent curved tent-like structure, multiple high-rise buildings, a coastal road with numerous vehicles, and a serene ocean in the distance under a partly cloudy sky.

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Emergency services at the scene today(Image: Anahita Hossein-Pour/PA Media)

Three women found dead on Brighton seafront were found fully clothed.

The unnamed trio were discovered after the police and coastguard were called to reports of concerns for a person seen in the water at around 5.45am this morning. Two of the women were reportedly found on the beach at nearby Black Rock Beach, while the third was found near Brighton Pier.

A police investigation is now underway to identify the women. One local worker said: “Police were down earlier speaking to people from the club. Apparently their handbags were found on the beach along with a coat. I saw coastguard officers searching for more of their personal belongings like phones.

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“It’s absolutely dreadful. The student night is always packed out. I was told students were spilling out onto the beach, smoking and drinking.”

A group of individuals, dressed in high-visibility safety gear, are gathered on a pebbled beach, with the ocean visible in the background. The individuals appear to be engaged in an activity, possibly a search or rescue operation. A small boat can be seen on the water in the distance, suggesting the presence of a coordinated effort in the area.

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Police have confirmed they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the discovery, reports the Daily Star.

At a press conference held at the shoreline incident scene, Sussex Police Chief Superintendent Adam Hays called it a “tragic incident”. “Our priority right now is to identify all three women and contact their next of kin,” he said. “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. This includes gathering and reviewing CCTV in the surrounding area.” The coastguard is not searching for anyone else, he added.

Emergency services rushed to the beach alongside a helicopter and lifeboats on Wednesday morning following reports of concern for three women in the sea.

Two individuals dressed in reflective safety jackets and high visibility gear are stationed at a cordoned-off area, possibly in a public space. The area is enclosed with barriers, and a trash bin is positioned nearby. In the background, a building with numerous windows and a partially visible structure can be seen.

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Police guard the beach after the bodies were found(Image: Getty Images)

Crews arrived at approximately 5.45am. Tragically, the bodies of three women were recovered from the water near Madeira Drive.

Chief Superintendent Adam Hays had previously stated: “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 coastguard issued a statement following the discovery of the three women’s bodies near Brighton beach this morning. It confirmed: “HM Coastguard is responding to an incident reported at Brighton beach at about 5.50am on 13 May.

“An HM Coastguard helicopter has been sent as well as Coastguard Rescue Teams from Shoreham, Newhaven, Littlehampton and Birling Gap, and three RNLI lifeboats from Brighton and Shoreham. Sussex Police and the South East Coast Ambulance Service have also attended.”

An aerial view of a beach area where several police vehicles are parked along the roadside, with a beach and ocean visible in the background.

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An investigation to determine the identity of the women is now underway. Brighton Beach is an eight-mile expanse of pebbled coastline running along the southern English city.

The RNLI confirmed Brighton Lifeboat and Shoreham All-weather Lifeboat were launched this morning at around 6am to support the search operation.

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Many people have expressed their condolences on social media following the tragedy. “My heart goes out to the families and loved ones of the women,” one person wrote on Facebook.

Another said: “So very sad for all involved, this is a terrible tragedy and my heart goes out to everyone affected as the investigation unfolds.” A third added: “Very sad! Condolences to their family’s.”