Mapped: Where ‘tragic incident’ took place in Brighton
(PA Graphics) (PA Graphics)
Maira Butt13 May 2026 23:00
The Great Escape festival to continue as planned
The Great Escape music festival is to go ahead as planned as organisers shared a statement expressing their sympathies with the families of three women who died in Brighton.
“Following the very sad and tragic events that took place on Brighton beach this morning, The Great Escape Festival wish to extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the deceased at this difficult time,” the statement released on Wednesday read.
They added: “For those attending The Great Escape 2026, we wish to assure you that Brighton beach is a large public area and the section of beach occupied by The Great Escape Festival site has not been affect by the incident.
“Following guidance from the relevant authorities, festival operations and scheduled performances will continue as planned.”
Maira Butt13 May 2026 22:30
In pictures: Police discover three bodies in sea at Brighton beach
(Getty)
Emergency services attended the scene at Madeira Drive, Brighton (Gareth Fuller/PA) (PA Wire)
(Reuters)
Maira Butt13 May 2026 22:01
Full story: Three women recovered off Brighton beach not believed to have attended nightclub
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.
Maira Butt13 May 2026 22:00
Brighton beach reopened after bodies discovered
Sussex police say that Brighton beach has reopened after being closed all day following the three discovery of the bodies of three women in the water.
“The beach has now reopened and our officers have left the scene, following a significant operation which began at 5.45am,” read a statement released on Wednesday evening.
Police are still working to identify the women thought to be aged between 20 and 30-years-old.
A police presence remained at the site of the discovery as authorities conducted their investigations (Getty)
Maira Butt13 May 2026 21:30
Watch: Coastguard helicopter scrambled to Brighton after bodies of three women found in seaLarge search and rescue operation underway after bodies of three women found in sea at Brighton
Maira Butt13 May 2026 21:00
Brighton council leader ‘shocked and saddened’ by news
Brighton Council leader Bella Sankey has said she is “shocked and deeply saddened” by this morning’s incident.
In a social media post she wrote: “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 & Hove, I send sincere condolences.
“I would also like to thank the emergency services for their quick response and combined efforts; it is heart-breaking that their recovery efforts have ended in such tragic circumstances.
“To residents – please do respect police advice to avoid the area while investigations continue.”
Maira Butt13 May 2026 20:30
Three women recovered off Brighton beach not believed to have attended nightclub
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, according to the Press Association.
It is believed the women may have entered the water from the beach near to where they were found, before getting into difficulty in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
Maira Butt13 May 2026 20:10
Full statement as Sussex police say ‘family remain unaware’ of the deaths
Below is a full update by Sussex police as they confirmed on Wednesday evening that the family of the three women found dead in Brighton this morning remain unaware they have died.
“Sussex Police is continuing to investigate the tragic discovery of the bodies of three women in the sea off Brighton beach this morning (13 May).
“The beach has now reopened and our officers have left the scene, following a significant operation which began at 5.45am.
“Emergency services were first called to concern for a single person in the water near Black Rocks car park in Madeira Drive. On arrival, two more bodies were sadly recovered from the sea nearby.
“We are working hard to follow up a number of lines of enquiry to identify the three women and understand exactly what has happened.
“Chief Superintendent Adam Hays said: ‘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.
‘Anyone with information that could help is asked to contact police online or via 101, quoting Operation Ledmore.’”
Maira Butt13 May 2026 20:00
Bodies of three women yet to be identified, say police in new update
Police are still working to identify the bodies of three women who were discovered in the sea at Brighton beach earlier today.
“We are working hard to follow up a number of lines of enquiry to identify the three women and understand exactly what has happened,” read a statement released on Wednesday evening.
Sussex police confirmed the beach has reopened to the public.
Maira Butt13 May 2026 19:49