COPS are desperately working to confirm the identity of three women found dead in the sea in Brighton.

Officers scrambled to the seafront at around 5.45am today to concerns for the welfare of a “single person” in the water.

Four coastguards on a rocky beach, with the sea behind them.
Emergency services scrambled to the beach near Brighton MarinaCredit: Brighton Pictures
 

RNLI boat with crew on choppy sea during a search operation.
Coastguard boats were spotted searching the seaCredit: Eddie Mitchell
However upon arrival two more bodies were found in the sea nearby.

Sussex Police has said that they are not searching for anyone else, and they are yet to confirm the ID’s of the women.

They added that the beach is now reopened to the public after a lengthy investigation which began at around 5.45am.

It is believed the women may have entered the water from the beach near to where they were found, before getting into difficulty.

Emergency services personnel on quad bikes and a police officer on a beach by the sea.
Emergency services at the scene on Madeira Drive, BrightonCredit: PA
 

Police and Coastguard vehicles with personnel at the scene of a sea search.
Emergency services at the scene this morningCredit: Eddie Mitchell
Sources told The Sun they believe the women were in their late teens or early 20s, and that they were dressed in “going-out clothes”.

Tragically the women’s handbags and a coat are said to have been found on the pebbled beach.

All day coastguard boats have been scouring the water and a helicopter circulating in the sky above.

This morning there were more than a dozen police officers, police vans and cars as well as HM Coastguard Search and Rescue officers and equipment at the scene.

Emergency services on Brighton beach after the discovery of three bodies in the water.
Choppy waves at Brighton as cops are at the sceneCredit: Alamy
 

The Quarters Nightclub in Brighton, featuring a large white "Quarters" sign on a black facade, with bins and a brick wall with a green railing above.
Quarters runs a weekly student night called ‘CU Next Tuesday’ which finishes at 4amCredit: Google maps
Chief Superintendent Adam Hays said: “I understand the impact this tragic incident has had on the local community and more widely.

“This is a sensitive investigation and we know the public are keen to understand the full circumstances.

“But our priority at this time is identifying these three women and locating their families, who at this point remain unaware they have lost loved ones.

“I would ask for people’s patience while we conduct these enquiries and to avoid speculation while this is ongoing.

“Anyone with information that could help is asked to contact police online or via 101, quoting Operation Ledmore.”

A local nightclub worker told The Sun they believed the trio had been at a David Attenborough-themed night out hosted by beachfront club Quarters.

Quarters runs a weekly student night called “CU Next Tuesday” which finishes at 4am.

A spokesperson for the venue has said they are supporting officers with their investigation.

“We are aware of an incident that took place on Brighton Beach on Tuesday night,” they said.

“Alongside all other local businesses and venues, we are supporting the police in their enquiries.”

Yesterday’s “packed” club night was billed as David Attenborough’s 100th birthday bash.

Two workers at a cafe on the beachfront near Quarters said that revellers from nearby clubs frequently spill out onto the beach after closing time in the early hours of morning.

One said: “When you’re walking to work at seven in the morning you see people still drinking on the beach.

“The club nights can get quite intense.”

One local added: “I live at the marina and I came down here to feed the birds at 6am and saw all the emergency services.

“It’s extremely windy, cold and choppy in the waters today so I’m not sure why anyone would have been in the sea.

“The conditions would’ve probably been strong enough to push them from near Brighton Palace Pier.”

The leader of Brighton and Hove City Council, Bella Sankey, has sent her condolences to the families of the three women.

In a statement, she said: “I am shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the deaths of three women off the Brighton coast this morning.

“My heart goes out to the friends and family of these women, and on behalf of Brighton and Hove I send sincere condolences.

“I would also like to thank the emergency services for their quick response and combined efforts; it is heartbreaking that their recovery efforts have ended in such tragic circumstances.”

Brighton is home to almost 36,000 students who attend the University of Brighton and the University of Sussex.