Police believe they have identified three women whose bodies were recovered from the sea off Brighton beach.
Emergency services were called after concerns were raised for a person’s welfare at around 5.45am on Wednesday, before three bodies were pulled from the water near Madeira Drive.
Sussex Police have said officers believe they have identified all three women and their next of kin have been informed.
But the force said it would not be appropriate to publicly name them until the process to formally identify them is completed.
An investigation into how the women came to be in the water is ongoing, and there is no evidence to suggest criminality or anyone else was involved.
Sussex Police said the probe includes a “number of hypotheses”.
It is understood one line of inquiry being explored is that the women may have entered the water from the beach, near where they were found, and got into difficulty.
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.”
Police and coastguard officials were stationed along the seafront and on the shingle beach on Wednesday, where a lifeboat could be seen out at sea and a helicopter was flying overhead.
The sea appeared choppy, with waves crashing against the marina wall in windy conditions.
Sussex Police confirmed the beach reopened later in the evening and officers had left the scene.
Reacting to the deaths, Brighton and Hove City Council leader Bella Sankey said she was “shocked and deeply saddened” and her heart goes out to the women’s families.
Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven MP Chris Ward added it was “deeply tragic news” and concerning for the community and everyone affected.
Hove and Portslade MP Peter Kyle said that it was a “sobering and heartbreaking reminder” that families, neighbours and communities are what is important.
“We will all be working with emergency services, tourism services and the seafront office to further promote messages about the risks around water,” he said on Wednesday.
“Our seafront is one of the many jewels in the crown of our city but the sea can be a risk. However, for tonight I shall only be thinking about the families and friends affected by this tragedy.”
Sussex Police have asked anyone with further information to contact them online or on 101, quoting Operation Ledmore.
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