Brighton beach is closed after police launch inquiry into what they describe as a "tragic incident".

The bodies of three young women have been recovered from the sea off the coast of Brighton. Sussex Police said a search was launched after concerns were raised for the welfare of a person in the sea at 05:45 BST. The women have not been identified. It is not yet known how the women came to be in the water, but the coastguard has ended its search and said it was not looking for anyone else. Ch Supt Adam Hays said: "This is a tragic incident. We are at the very early stages of our inquiries." It is understood that the women were about 20 to 30 years old and were first spotted at Brighton Palace Pier before drifting to the marina, PA Media reported. The bodies were pulled from the water near Madeira Drive, which runs along the beachfront. A large cordon was put in place around the beach at Black Rock, which will remain until at least Wednesday evening, police said. Sussex police and crime commissioner has asked the public to "refrain from speculation".