BBC Breakfast halted for tragic death announcement
BBC Breakfast was interrupted for a tragic news update on Wednesday morning. Journalist Tim Muffett sadly shared how three members of the same family have died after getting into difficulty in the water off Shoreham-by-Sea.
He explained that a man, a woman, and a teenage girl had died, while a younger girl from the same family was in hospital in a critical condition. "Emergency services were called at 2.40 yesterday afternoon, following reports of four people in difficulty in the sea," Tim said. "A huge search and rescue operation got underway involving coastguard crews, RNLI lifeboats, air ambulances, police officers and ambulance crews."
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Three members of the same family have died after getting into difficulty in the water off Shoreham-by-Sea.
Tim Muffett reported on #BBCBreakfast the statement from Sussex Police that a man, a woman, and a teenage girl had died, while a younger girl from the same family was in… pic.twitter.com/D7vSIrXKya
Resident Shirley Pumfrey said: "I have never seen them do that. The whole road was just full of emergency services. It was horrific and quite scary to see that many."
Another local told the news channel that there were "all sorts of rumours flying around" and it was "very upsetting". He added: "I'm just praying for their families."
Chief Superintendent James Collis from Sussex Police confirmed that the coastguard is not searching for anyone else.
"We believe all four entered the water from the land for a swim, and sadly got into difficulty," he added.
Appealing for witnesses, he said inquiries were ongoing to understand the full details. Relatives had been informed and were being supported by specialist officers.
Tom Rutland, East Worthing and Shoreham MP said his thoughts were with the family and friends of those who had died and he added: "I know the whole community here in Shoreham will be hoping and praying for the recovery of the young girl, external receiving medical treatment in hospital."
The tragic news follows just a day after BBC Breakfast presenter Jon Kay was tasked with sharing the sad news of the death of Heroes and Nashville star Hayden Panettiere.
He broke the news to viewers yesterday saying: "The American actress Hayden Panettiere, best known for her roles in Heroes and Nashville, has died at the age of 36. In a statement reported by ABC News, her representative said she was an incredible light and a force of nature who brought immeasurable love and joy to all who knew her."