London: British police have recovered the bodies of three women from the sea in Brighton and have launched an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding what officials described as a “tragic incident.”

Sussex Police said officers were called at 05:45 local time (04:45 GMT) following reports of concern about three women in the water off the seafront in the eastern part of the southern English city.

Emergency services, including multiple response vehicles, lifeboats, and a helicopter, were deployed to the scene, according to local media reports.

“This is a tragic incident and fast-moving enquiries are ongoing to confirm the identities of these three women and understand exactly what has happened,” said Chief Superintendent Adam Hays in a statement.

Police said further updates would be provided as investigations progress.