Police in Brighton believe they have identified three women whose bodies were discovered in the sea near Brighton yesterday morning.
Emergency services were called to the beach near Black Rock car park off Madeira Drive at around 5.45am on Wednesday after reports of concern for a person in the water.
They later recovered three bodies from the sea nearby.
A spokesperson for Sussex Police said: "Following extensive enquiries, we believe we have now identified all three women. Their next of kin have been informed and formal identification procedures are now being undertaken.
"It would not be appropriate to publicly name the women before these procedures are completed.
"Their loved ones are being supported by specialist officers following their tragic loss."
An investigation is ongoing to determine how all three women came to be in the water. There is no evidence to suggest third-party involvement or criminality.
Chief Superintendent Adam Hays, investigating, 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.
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"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."
He asked anyone with information to contact police.
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