Three members of the same family have died after getting into difficulty in the water off Shoreham, Sussex, leaving a young girl in critical condition in hospital.
The tragedy happened on Tuesday near Shoreham Fort, where emergency services launched a major rescue operation after four relatives entered the water.
Sussex Police believe the group went into the sea for a swim, although officers say the exact circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear. An investigation is under way, and police are not currently searching for anyone else in connection with the deaths.
The three people who died have not yet been publicly identified. Their next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.
The surviving girl remains in critical condition in hospital.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham described the incident as “a real terrible family tragedy” and expressed his sympathy to the relatives and friends of those involved.
“Obviously we think there’s a young girl still in the hospital fighting for her life, and we send our best wishes and love to wider friends and family,” Burnham said.
He also praised the emergency services for responding quickly and highlighted the dangers associated with swimming in open water.
The rescue operation began after reports of people in difficulty in the sea. The RNLI launched a lifeboat from Shoreham Harbour at 2:51pm, with additional rescue boats from Brighton joining shortly afterwards. Coastguard and air ambulance crews were also involved in the response.
Residents described scenes of shock and disbelief as emergency vehicles and rescue teams arrived at the beach.
Joss Loader, who represents Shoreham Beach on Adur District Council, said the community was experiencing a “strong sense of shock” following the incident.
“There’s a deep sense of shock and that sense of disbelief you get after a tragedy,” she said.
Floral tributes have since been left near the scene as residents mourn the loss of the three family members.
Local residents have also raised concerns about the dangers of the area, including strong currents and changing sea conditions.
One resident, Anna Peacock, said the sea could appear inviting during the summer but warned that people may not realise how quickly currents can carry swimmers away.
The incident has renewed concerns about water safety during the summer months, with authorities urging people to be particularly cautious when swimming in open water.
Police continue to investigate what happened and are expected to establish the circumstances that led to the four relatives getting into difficulty.
For the family and the Shoreham community, however, the immediate focus remains on the young girl who is fighting for her life in hospital.
The Prime Minister said his thoughts were with the family and praised the emergency crews who responded to the emergency.
“It’s so sad to hear what happened,” Burnham said. “Just huge sympathy to the friends and the family.”