Police hope that someone will recognise the tattoos on a body that was washed ashore in Brighton as officers try to identify a woman.
Sussex Police said today (Tuesday 7 March): “The body of a young woman washed up on the beach at Brighton has still to be identified nearly three months after its discovery.
“A member of the public raised the alarm shortly after 1.20pm on Tuesday 20 December when he spotted the body lying at the water’s edge at Saltdean.
“Extensive inquiries have been made to try to identify her but so far these have been unsuccessful.
“Police have now released photos of a number of tattoos that she had on her arms and legs in a bid to name her.
“The woman is white, believed to be aged between 20 and 25, around 5ft 4in and of slim to medium build.
“She was wearing a purple sports bra, dark mauve sports leggings and Converse black boots with the original white trim.
“It is not thought that she had been in the water for much more than 24 hours and inquiries with maritime authorities suggest that it is possible that she entered the water further west, with tidal action taking her to Saltdean.
“Anyone who recognises the tattoos or has any information about the woman is asked to report to Sussex Police online or by calling 101 quoting serial 598 of 20/12.”
I don’t recall hearing about this poor woman before. The photos are so desperately sad to see.
The police don’t seem to share much that matters around here. The delay in this case will almost certainly have prolonged a loved one’s pain and misery. They’re quick to post on Facebook when a couple of PCSOs take a stroll along the prom or in a local park, but in most significant respects, they show precious little understanding of what public accountability should look like.
Jess
This was reported at the time so hardly not the case the police don’t share much.
There’s no delay, I’m sure anyone reported missing would have been checked out.
It’s likely this woman isn’t local or lived alone, so many possibilities.
I’m sure the police have done everything to trace this woman but what more can they do.
Saying the delay will prolong a loved ones pain but who is she, where is she from. Could come from anywhere.
If nobody has reported her missing what else can be done?
If that’s true, I’m sorry. But, generally, the police appear to release very little information about the crimes and other incidents around Brighton and Hove. I spent a few hours observing in a local court recently. I searched the police website and our local media, but not one of the crimes had been reported publicly before it reached the court.
No need to say sorry.
Generally the police won’t run to the newspapers with reports, it’s the newspapers who contact the police with any news worth reporting and obtain any information.
Do we really need to know every single crime or offence. Some things are just not worth reporting I guess.
I don’t think anyone is asking the police to run to the papers with every minor infraction, but much appears to be withheld by a taxpayer-funded organisation. If homes, cars or people are being targeted in my part of town, for example, I’d like to be know.