Man dies after emergency incident at East Sussex beach
A man has died after an emergency incident was reported on the seafront at St Leonards.
Sussex Police said the emergency services responded to a ‘medical incident’ on the beach, near Warrior Square, ‘following concerns for a man’s welfare’.
A statement on Sunday afternoon read: “Officers assisted with the emergency response after the incident was reported at 11am on May 24.
“Sadly, despite the best efforts of paramedics, the man was declared deceased at the scene
“His next of kin have been informed and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.
“There were no suspicious circumstances and a report will be prepared for HM Coroner.”
The emergency response came as large crowds flocked to Sussex beaches during the bank holiday heatwave.
Local photographer Alan Roberts reported seeing a significant emergency response near Warrior Square, writing on Facebook: “Major incident on seafront. Fire, police, ambulance, air ambulance and Coastguard in attendance.”
A spokesperson for Sussex Police said, at 1.20pm: “Officers are assisting with the emergency response after the incident was reported at 11am.
“We can confirm that the air ambulance has also attended the scene.”
Traffic disruption was also reported in the area. AA Traffic News advised the A259 Carlisle Parade was partially blocked in both directions due to the medical emergency, with queueing traffic between the A2102 London Road and Robertson Street.
Sussex Police warned that emergency services were facing increasing pressure, amid soaring temperatures, and large crowds visiting beaches and beauty spots across the county.
On Saturday evening, the force said it had already seen ‘significantly increased numbers of people’ travelling to beaches and beauty spots across Sussex districts, as temperatures continued to rise.
Police also revealed officers had dealt with ‘multiple missing children’ during the day, with drone teams deployed to assist in searches from the air.
The force said: “Thankfully, all incidents were resolved safely, but it highlights how quickly people can become separated in busy environments.”
Officers warned another busy period for emergency services was expected throughout the remainder of the bank holiday weekend and urged people to take precautions while enjoying the warm weather.
Sussex Police advised the public to ‘stay hydrated and drink plenty of water’, wear suitable sun protection and take extra care around open water, coastal areas and rivers, warning that ‘conditions can change quickly’.
The warning comes as temperatures of 30C or higher are forecast across Sussex over the coming days.
A UK Government heat-health alert covering Sussex has also been raised to amber for the bank holiday weekend and remains in place until Wednesday, May 27.