Three members of same family die after getting into difficulty in water off Sussex coast
Three people from the same family have died after getting into difficulty in the water off the Sussex coast.
Police have confirmed that a man, a woman and a teenage girl died, while a younger girl from the same family is in a critical condition in hospital.
Sussex Police said they believe the family entered into the water for a swim before getting into trouble.
The coastguard has said it is not searching for anyone else.
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Chief Superintendent James Collis said: “Around 2.40 pm this afternoon, emergency services were called to reports of four people in difficulty in the water close to Shoreham Fort.
“Sussex Police supported His Majesty’s Coast Guard and the RNLI as all four people were brought to shore.
“Tragically, despite the best efforts of paramedics, three people – a man, a woman, and a teenage girl – were sadly confirmed deceased.
“A younger girl has been taken to hospital and is in critical condition. We can confirm all four people were from the same family, and their next of kin have been informed.”
He added: "At this point, we believe all four entered the water from the land for a swim and sadly got into difficulty.”
Following the initial reports, multiple ambulances and two air ambulances were seen in Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex, near the RNLI station.
The coastguard said 'it responded to an incident reported at Shoreham at about 2.45pm'.
A spokesperson added: “An HM Coastguard helicopter was sent as well as Littlehampton, Shoreham and Newhaven Coastguard Rescue Teams, and an RNLI lifeboat from Shoreham.”
An eyewitness at the scene told ITV: "There were search and rescue vehicles, coastguard vehicles, and police vehicles. And then over on the other side of the river, there were loads of ambulances gathered around, and the RNLI were still working essentially.
"I was up near the coastguard tower when I saw two police officers come past me holding evidence bags after they looked to be going through belongings of, presumably, those who were involved in the incident.
"The evidence bags did contain what appeared to be younger child's clothing and other assorted items, and from that, I presume children were involved."
Another witness told the BBC: “The whole road was just full of emergency services.
"It was horrific and quite scary to see that many."
MP for Shoreham Tom Rutland has said he is ‘deeply saddened’ by the tragic news.
"My thoughts are with the family and friends of those who have lost their lives," he said in a statement.
"I know the whole community here in Shoreham will be hoping and praying for the recovery of the young girl receiving medical treatment."
As yet, the family’s names have not been released to the public.
Specialist officers are supporting the family’s next of kin.
An investigation has been launched to understand the full circumstances of the tragedy.
Police are asking anyone with information or video footage about the incident to contact Sussex Police online or via 101, quoting Operation North.
Claire Reid