A six-year-old girl has died in hospital after a tragic incident in the sea near Shoreham, West Sussex, that also claimed the lives of her father, mother, and teenage sister. Saja El-Khawas, a British Palestinian from London, was rescued from the water by emergency crews on Tuesday but succumbed to her injuries later.

Her father, Hassan El-Khawas, 55, mother Zeina Alayn, 37, and 14-year-old sister Sara were pronounced dead at the scene despite paramedics' efforts to revive them. Emergency services were alerted at approximately 14:40 BST after reports of four individuals struggling in the water near Shoreham Fort.

The family had entered the sea from Kingston Beach, a short distance from Shoreham Port, around 14:00. A large-scale emergency response followed, involving HM Coastguard, the RNLI, South East Coast Ambulance Service, and Sussex Police.

In a statement, Sussex Police confirmed that while the investigation remains ongoing, initial evidence—including CCTV footage and witness accounts—suggests the incident was a tragic accident with no third-party involvement. Authorities will prepare a file for the coroner ahead of an inquest.

Chief Superintendent James Collis expressed the profound sorrow felt by the community and emergency responders. "This heartbreaking update is one we all feared in the aftermath of Tuesday’s tragic events," he said. "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."

The family, who resided in London, were British citizens of Palestinian heritage with ties to the Rashidieh refugee camp in Lebanon. Their extended family had lived in the UK for many years, according to the Palestinian Forum.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham described the incident as a "terrible family tragedy." Meanwhile, the Shoreham community has been left devastated, with residents leaving floral tributes at the scene. The Beach Residents' Association called the event "shockwaves across the local community."

Local councillor Joss Loader, who represents the Shoreham Beach Residents' Association, said the deaths were a "shocking, heart-rending tragedy." She has lived in the area for most of her life.

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