Sky News interrupted for tragic death announcement in major breaking news

Sky News' regular programming was halted for a tragic announcement. Sean Fletcher announced that the broadcast was being interrupted for a breaking news alert, showing footage of Sussex Police Chief Superintendent James Collis delivering a statement following the deaths of three people. It was confirmed the three people were from the same family and died after getting into difficulty in the water off the Sussex coast.

Mr Collis said: "At around 2:40pm 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."

The officer added that a younger girl has been taken to hospital and remains in a critical condition.

Mr Collis continued: "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 their friends and family.

"I know this incident will have had a profound effect on the community and enquiries are ongoing to understand the full details."

He explained that authorities currently believe the four family members entered the water for a swim before getting into difficulty.

Following an "extensive search" of the water, Mr Collis confirmed that authorities are not looking for anyone else.

He went on to thank the public for their "patience and understanding" during the emergency response, before urging anyone with information or video footage that could assist police with their investigation to come forward.

Multiple ambulances and two air ambulances were seen in Shoreham near the RNLI station on Tuesday (August 18) afternoon. A section of the A259 in Shoreham was closed while the emergency services responded to the incident, with the public urged to stay clear of the area.

Tom Rutland, the MP for Shoreham, said that he is "deeply saddened" by the "tragic news" in a statement shared on Facebook.

"My thoughts are with the family and friends of those who have lost their lives," he wrote. "I know the whole community here in Shoreham will be hoping and praying for the recovery of the young girl receiving medical treatment."