Three women whose bodies were tragically recovered from the sea off Brighton beach were reportedly all related.

Police believe they have identified the three, believed to be aged between 20 and 30, but have said it would not yet be appropriate to reveal their details. Officers investigating how they died are working on a number of theories.

One person, based in Jamaica, has claimed to be related to the women. They said: “My mum just called me to tell me the bodies of the three women that were found in Brighton Beach are my cousins. I am in complete shock because …… All three of the girls one time.”

The trio are thought to have entered the water from the beach close to where they were found, before getting into difficulty in the early hours of Wednesday.

Brighton Life Boat Station ‘appreciative of all the support’

Brighton Lifeboat Station – RNLI thanked members of the public for their support they have received after they were involved in the emergency response where three women tragically died.

After receiving many messages on Facebook, it replied: “So appreciative of all the support, thanks all.”

Sussex Police, South East Coast Ambulance Service, HM Coastguard, an HM Coastguard helicopter, Coastguard Rescue Teams from Shoreham, Newhaven, Littlehampton and Birling Gap, as well as RNLI crews from Brighton, Shoreham and Newhaven, were all involved on Wednesday.

Members of the public shared heartfelt messages recognising the emotional toll the incident may have had on volunteers and rescue crews.

‘It’s a tragedy that belongs to the city’

People living in Brighton have spoken of their shock and upset following the tragic deaths.

Local resident Eve Streeter told local paper the Brighton Argus: “It’s such upsetting news. It shocks the whole city, it’s a tragedy that belongs to the city. This is our water.

“I’ve had people from London messaging me about it, saying ‘god, what news. It must be shocking for the whole city.’ And it properly is. It’s horrible.”

She added: “The beach is a place of holiday and happiness, but every now and again we’re reminded that it’s brutal and it’s dangerous. And we forget that at our peril.”

Floral tributes(Image: Adam Gerrard / Daily Mirror)

Agonising unanswered questions on Brighton beach deaths including CCTV mystery

As police officers piece together the final moments of three young women found in the sea off Brighton Beach, the Mirror takes a look at the unanswered questions in a case that has left local residents ‘shaken’.

Read the full story here

(Image: Adam Gerrard / Daily Mirror)

Mourners leave tributes

Mourners have come to pay their respects at the scene of the tragic incident on Brighton seafront. Many left flowers and heartfelt notes expressing their sadness at the tragic deaths of the three women.

People leave flowers in tribute to three women who were pronounced dead on Brighton beach(Image: Adam Gerrard / Daily Mirror)

Floral tributes left to the three women(Image: Adam Gerrard / Daily Mirror)