UPDATE: Three Family Members Die In Shoreham Sea Incident

(c) Eyematter

Three members of the same family have died after getting into difficulty in the sea off Shoreham-by-Sea.

Sussex Police says a man, a woman and a teenage girl died after four people entered the water for a swim.

A younger girl from the same family remains in hospital in a critical condition.

Emergency services were called shortly after 3pm yesterday to reports of four people in difficulty in the sea close to Shoreham Port.

Coastguard teams, RNLI lifeboats, air ambulances, police officers and ambulance crews all responded.

Chief Superintendent James Collis said relatives had been informed and were being supported by specialist officers.

He said the coastguard had completed an extensive search of the water and was not looking for anyone else.

He added that the incident had had a ‘profound effect’ on the local community.

The South East Coast Ambulance Service was called to reports of four people needing medical attention, while both air ambulances operated by Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex were also sent to the scene.

The A259 was temporarily closed as the emergency response continued.

People living nearby described seeing large numbers of emergency vehicles and helicopters in the area.

East Worthing and Shoreham MP Tom Rutland said his thoughts were with the family and friends of those who died, and with the young girl receiving treatment in hospital.

Shoreham Port has urged members of the public to avoid the area while emergency services continue their work.