The bodies of three women were found on a beach in Brighton earlier today in what police described as a tragic incident. Scores of police officers descended on the scene following the discovery on Wednesday (May 13).

At the time of writing, Sussex Police was still trying to establish who the women are while also making efforts to reassure the local community.

Below the Daily Express details what you need to know about the incident. For the latest updates follow our live coverage.

Sussex Police said the bodies of three women were recovered from the sea off Brighton.

The emergency services were called after concerns were raised for the welfare of the women at about 5.45am on Wednesday.

Police were still trying to find out who the women were as of late-morning on Wednesday.

Police said the women's bodies were pulled from the sea near Madeira Drive.

The road stretches along Brighton's seafront from Brighton Palace Pier to Brighton Marina, a distance of around half a mile.

Brighton itself is a popular seaside resort with an estimated resident population of about 280,000.

Pictures from the scene show scores of police officers and vehicles at Brighton Beach.

HM Coastguard said it responded to the incident at Brighton Beach from about 5.50am.

A HM Coastguard helicopter was sent as well as Coastguard Rescue Teams from Shoreham, Newhaven, Littlehampton and Birling Gap, and three RNLI lifeboats from Brighton and Shoreham.

Sussex Police and the South East Coast Ambulance Service have also attended.

Members of the public have been urged to keep away from the scene by the police.

Chief Supt Adam Hays from Sussex Police described what happened as a tragic incident.

He said fast-moving inquiries were ongoing to confirm the identities of the three women and to understand exactly what has happened.

Mr Hays said in a statement: "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."