The bodies of three women were recovered from the sea off Brighton beach in the early hours of this morning.
Emergency services were called at about 5.45am to concerns for the welfare of three women in the sea.
Their bodies were recovered off Madeira Drive.
Chief Superintendent Adam Hays said: “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.
“I know this is concerning for the community, but I would ask the public to stay away from the scene at this time while emergency services continue their work.
“We will provide further updates as soon as they are available.”
Speaking at a press conference held at lunchtime, he said emergency services were not searching for anyone else.
He said: “Our priority right now is to identify all three women and contact their next of kin.
“I know this incident will be highly distressing for the community and we are working hard with our partners to understand exactly what has happened – this includes gathering and reviewing CCTV in the surrounding area, including from properties and local business nearby.
“Our partners in the coastuard are completing an extensive search of the water and, at this stage, we are not searching for anyone else.”