Three members of the same family, including a 14-year-old daughter, have been identified by police after they died when getting into difficulty in the sea off Shoreham beach. Hassan El-Khawas, 55, and Zeina Alayn, 37, along with their daughter Sara El-Khawas, are believed to have entered the water near Shoreham Fort on Tuesday. A younger girl from the same family, who was pulled from the sea with them, is currently in hospital in a critical condition.

Investigators reviewed CCTV footage and have concluded that the incident was a tragic accident with no third-party involvement. The family had reportedly travelled from their London home to visit the coastal town. The Palestinian Forum confirmed the family were British citizens of Palestinian origin.

Adnan Hmidan, chairman of the Palestinian Forum in Britain, described the community as deeply shocked and saddened. He noted that two other children were present on the shore at the time of the incident. The Palestinian Embassy in London stated it was closely monitoring the situation and in contact with British authorities to understand the circumstances and the condition of the hospitalized girl.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham commented on the incident, calling it a "terrible family tragedy" and issuing a warning about the dangers of open water swimming, even during hot weather, due to the risk of cold-water shock.

Sussex Police confirmed that emergency services were alerted shortly before 15:00 BST on Tuesday to reports of four people in distress in the water. A significant response involving Coastguard crews, RNLI lifeboats, air ambulances, police, and ambulance teams was deployed.

Ch Supt James Collis of Sussex Police described the events as a "heartbreaking tragedy" that has deeply affected the family, their friends, and the local Shoreham community. Floral tributes have since been left on the beach near the RNLI station.

Local residents expressed their shock. Neha Patel, a shop owner in Shoreham, said the incident was a shock to everyone and expressed hope for the recovery of the hospitalized girl.

The incident serves as a somber reminder of the unpredictable nature of the sea and the potential dangers associated with open water, particularly for those unfamiliar with its conditions.