Young girl critically ill in hospital under attention
Investigations are ongoing after three people died following an incident in the sea near Shoreham Fort in Sussex.
Sussex Police confirmed in a press conference this evening that a man, woman and teenage girl all from the same family, died after being pulled from the water.
The fourth person, a young girl also from the same family, is in a critical condition in hospital.
Emergency services were called to the area just before 3pm today, following reports four people had got into difficulty in the sea. Police believed they entered the water to go for a swim.
ITV Meridian understands the two adults and two children were pulled from the water, after nearby fisherman spotted them in the sea.
They alerted emergency services after they saw a young girl near to Shoreham Fort.
Chief Superintendent James Collis gave the following statement at a press conference on Tuesday evening. He said: “Around 2:40 p.m. this afternoon, emergency services were called to reports of four people in difficulty in the water close to Shoreham Fort.
“Sussex Police supported His Majesty’s Coastguard and the RNLI as all four people were brought to shore. Tragically, despite the best efforts of paramedics, three people—a man, a woman, and a teenage girl—were sadly confirmed deceased. A younger girl has been taken to hospital and is in critical condition.
“We can confirm all four people were from the same family and their next of kin have been informed. Specialist officers are supporting them at this incredibly difficult time, and our thoughts are with the friends and family.
“I know this incident will have had a profound effect on the community, and inquiries are ongoing alongside our partners to understand the full details. At this point, we believe all four entered the water from the land for a swim and sadly got into difficulty. Our partners in His Majesty’s Coastguard have completed an extensive search of the water, and we are not searching for anyone else.
“We would like to thank the public for their patience and understanding during this emergency response. Anyone with any information or video footage that could assist in our inquiries are asked to contact us online or 101 quoting Operation North. We will provide further updates as soon as we are able.”
An eyewitness in the area at the time told ITV Meridian he saw police officers working near the coastguard tower. He said: “There were search and rescue vehicles, Coastguard vehicles, and police vehicles. And then over on the other side of the river, there was loads of ambulances gathered around, and the RNLI were still working essentially.
“I was up near the Coastguard tower when I saw two police officers come past me holding evidence bags after they looked to be going through belongings of, presumably, those who were involved in the incident.
“The evidence bags did contain what appeared to be younger child’s clothing and other assorted items, and from that, I presume children were involved.”
An RNLI spokesperson said: “Shoreham RNLI were tasked by HM Coastguard at approximately 3pm on Tuesday 18 August.”
HM Coastguard confirmed it also responded to an incident at Shoreham at around 2.45pm on 18 August.
A spokesperson said “A HM Coastguard helicopter was sent as well as Littlehampton, Shoreham and Newhaven Coastguard Rescue Teams, and an RNLI lifeboat from Shoreham.
“Sussex Police and South East Coast Ambulance Service also attended.”
Aerial pictures show a large emergency presence remains as of 1730 this evening (18 August) as workers continue to deal with the situation.
A spokesperson for South East Coast Ambulance Service (Secamb) said: “Secamb is currently responding to reports of four people in need of medical attention after getting into difficulty in the water near Shoreham Harbour.
“We were called shortly after 3pm and have a number of ambulance resources at the scene. We have no further information to share at this time but will provide updates as soon as possible.”
The local Labour MP for the area has urged nearby residents and tourists to stay away, whilst emergency services continue their efforts.
Tom Rutland said: “I am deeply concerned by the reports of a number of people getting into difficulty in the water near Shoreham Harbour this afternoon.
“My thoughts are with everyone involved and their loved ones at what will undoubtedly be an extremely worrying time.”Our emergency services, including Sussex Police, South East Coast Ambulance Service, HM Coastguard, Shoreham RNLI and our local air ambulance are responding to the incident.”A section of the A259 has been closed while the emergency response continues. I would urge local residents and members of the public to stay away from the area and to follow the instructions of the emergency services, so that they can carry out their work safely and without obstruction.”I have reached out to the police for further information, but this is an ongoing incident and the priority of emergency services should of course be responding to the incident.”
Credit: ITV News
