Shoreham beach death tributes paid to family by Ealing school

A family of four tragically perished in a sea off Shoreham, West Sussex, on Tuesday, according to Sussex Police. The victims were Sara El-Khawas, aged 14, her parents, Hassan El-Khawas, 55, and Zeina Alayn, 37, as well as her younger sibling. The Ellen Wilkinson School for Girls in Ealing, west London, mourned the loss of Sara, describing her as a sweet and well-liked student and staff member.

Head teacher Rachel Kruger expressed deep sorrow and assured the community that support would be provided to those affected. The family, British citizens of Palestinian origin, were believed to have traveled to Shoreham from London on the day of the incident, which police stated was a tragic accident with no involvement from a third party.

Deputy Chief Constable Paul Court called the incident "utterly, utterly tragic" and praised the professional response of Sussex Police and emergency services. Two other children, who were present on the shore at the time, are now in the care of an uncle. Prime Minister Andy Burnham cautioned about the dangers of open water swimming following the tragic incident, describing it as a "terrible family tragedy."