Three women whose bodies were recovered in the sea off Brighton beach are not believed to have attended a nightclub prior to entering the water, the Press Association understands.
It is believed that the women may have entered the water from the beach near to where they were found, before getting into difficulties in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
Sussex Police said a number of lines of inquiry were still being explored following the deaths.
Emergency services were called after concerns were raised for a woman’s welfare at around 5.45am on Wednesday, before three bodies were pulled from the water near Madeira Drive. It is understood that the women were approximately 20 to 30 years old.
The police have said they are still working hard to identify the three women and to understand exactly what happened.
It is understood that, contrary to some reports, the three women are currently not thought to have attended Quarters nightclub off Kings Road prior to entering the water.
SussexPolice Chief Superintendent Adam Hays said in an update on Wednesday evening: “I understand the impact this tragic incident has had on the local community and more widely.
“This is a sensitive investigation and we know the public are keen to understand the full circumstances. But our priority at this time is identifying these three women and locating their families, who at this point remain unaware they have lost loved ones.
“I would ask for people’s patience while we conduct these enquiries and to avoid speculation while this is ongoing.”
Police and coastguard officials were stationed along the seafront and on the shingle beach during the morning, 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.
The leader of Brighton and Hove City Council, Bella Sankey, said her heart went out to the women’s families.
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.”
The beach has now reopened and officers have left the scene.
Sussex Police have asked anyone with further information to contact them online or on 101, quoting Operation Ledmore.
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