Swimmer dies in sea in Brighton

A swimmer died in the sea in Brighton today after getting into difficulties.

He went missing just after 2pm and was washed ashore just before 5.30pm.

His body was found shortly after an air and sea search by the RNLI, Sussex Police and the coastguard had been stood down.

Desperate attempts were made to resuscitate the 24-year-old man who was believed to have come to Brighton from London with friends.

He went missing between the piers and was washed ashore on a beach near the bottom of West Street where the attempts were made to revive him.

The RNLI Brighton lifeboat was joined by a passing lifeboat, a team of eight Brighton and Hove City Council beach lifeguards and the coastguard helicopter from Lee on Solent.

A spokesman for the RNLI said: “There was quite an intense and extensive search between the piers.”