Child dies after Shoreham sea tragedy

A six-year-old girl has died in hospital after getting into difficulty in the sea off Shoreham, an incident that also killed her father, mother, and sister. The girl, identified by the BBC as Saja El-Khawas, a British Palestinian from London, was one of four people pulled from the water off the West Sussex coast on Tuesday afternoon.

Emergency services were called to the sea off Shoreham at about 14:40 BST on Tuesday to a report of four people in difficulty in the water. The incident took place at Kingston Beach, a short distance from Shoreham Port. Sussex Police said the family had travelled from their home in London to visit Shoreham that day.

Police believe incident was a 'tragic accident'

Ch Supt James Collis of Sussex Police said it is understood that all four entered the water from land for a swim and "sadly got into difficulty." A man, a woman, and a teenage girl died at the scene. The younger girl was taken to hospital in a critical condition but has since died, the BBC reported.

Police said the investigation remains open, but following a review of CCTV footage and initial witness accounts, the current hypothesis is that this was a tragic accident, with no third-party involvement. A file will be prepared for the coroner ahead of an inquest.

Collis said: "This heartbreaking update is one we all feared in the aftermath of Tuesday's tragic events. The impact of this tragedy has been felt across the country, and I know the Shoreham community, emergency responders and all involved will continue to be affected for a long time to come."

Family described as British citizens of Palestinian origin

The family were British citizens of Palestinian origin, with roots in the Rashidieh refugee camp in Lebanon, according to the BBC. The next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

A significant emergency response was mounted, with multiple ambulances, two air ambulances, HM Coastguard, the RNLI, and the South East Coast Ambulance Service all called to the scene. Shoreham RNLI confirmed its lifeboat was called out at 3pm.

Burnham warns of water dangers

Prime Minister Andy Burnham described the deaths as a "terrible family tragedy" and expressed his sympathies. Speaking on a visit to north-east England, Burnham said the government could "always" do more on water safety, and warned about the dangers of cold water shock in open water.

"Always," he said when asked if more could be done. "It's so sad to hear what happened yesterday, and obviously we think there's a young girl still in the hospital fighting for her life, and we send our best wishes and love to wider friends and family. But a real tragedy, a real terrible family tragedy."

Burnham praised the emergency services, saying they had been on the scene very quickly. The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine has recorded at least 35 drowning deaths this summer, including eight in July.

Community in shock

The Shoreham community has been left devastated by the news. Joss Loader, the chair of Shoreham Beach Residents' Association, described the incident as a "shocking, heart-rending tragedy." Floral tributes have been left at the scene.

Anna Peacock, 81, a local resident, noted the riptide along the beach and said the tide could carry swimmers out in seconds. The coastguard has confirmed it is not searching for anyone else in connection with the incident.