Shoreham emergency live: Three family members dead after being pulled from sea

Three people from the same family - a man, a woman and a teenage girl - died after getting into trouble in water off Shoreham-by-Sea on Tuesday.

A younger girl from the same family is in a critical condition in hospital, Sussex Police said.

Coastguard helicopters, ambulances and police were scrambled to the coastal town in West Sussex following reports that four people were in trouble in the water.

The RNLI said lifeboat crews were launched from Shoreham at about 2.50pm on Tuesday afternoon. Two other lifeboats were also launched from the Brighton lifeboat station shortly after 3pm.

In his digital statement regarding Tuesday's tragedy at Shoreham-by-Sea, MP Tom Rutland added his thanks to the first responders who acted quickly and in their best efforts to save the three lives that were tragically lost.

"I want to thank our emergency services, including Sussex Police, South East Coast Ambulance Service, HM Coastguard, Shoreham RNLI and Air Ambulance Kent Surrey Sussex, who responded swiftly to the incident and have worked tirelessly in exceptionally difficult circumstances," he said.

"Your work is invaluable and so appreciated by all of us living in Shoreham."

The MP's comments come in the wake of the seaside horror that played out on Tuesday, in which three people from the same family - a man, a woman and a teenage girl - died after getting into trouble in water off Shoreham-by-Sea. As per Sussex Police, a younger girl from the same family remains in a critical condition in hospital.

The MP added that "a small section of the A259 around the area remains closed. I would urge members of the public to follow the advice and instructions of the emergency services."

In further comments, Tom Rutland, the Labour MP for East Worthing and Shoreham, said: "My thoughts are with the family and friends of those who have lost their lives, and I know the whole community here in Shoreham will be hoping and praying for the recovery of the young girl receiving medical treatment in hospital."

Tom Rutland, the Labour MP for East Worthing and Shoreham, has been 'deeply saddened' by Tuesday's ocean tragedy.

"I am deeply saddened by the tragic news that three people have died following an incident in the water near Shoreham Fort this afternoon," he said.

"I spoke earlier with Sussex Police and Shoreham RNLI and have been briefed on the response by the emergency services."

Chief Superintendent James Collis said: “I know this incident will have a profound effect on the community, and enquiries are ongoing alongside our partners to understand the full details.