Fears three women who died off Brighton beach made tragic 'misjudgement'

Locals fear that three women whose bodies were found in the water off Brighton beach may have made a tragic misjudgement. Emergency services were called after concerns were raised for a person’s welfare at around 5.45am on Wednesday, before three bodies were found in the sea near Madeira Drive. As the police investigation continues into the deaths of the three women by Sussex Police , locals fear they could have been swept away from shore after paddling out to sea before falling off a coastal shelf. They have told how the seabed falls away dramatically not far from the beach and the shingle shelf can make paddling too far out dangerous. Regular warnings are issued to visitors to take extra care - especially around the Palace Pier area where the shingle is steepest. Investigators are believed to be looking at the possibility the three women lost their footing when the shingle dropped away underfoot. In an update today, 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 of the women entering 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.