An inquest has opened into the deaths of three sisters who were found dead in the sea off Brighton beach last month.

Jane Adetoro, 36, Christina Walters, 32, and Rebecca Walters, 31, were discovered in the water at Black Rock on Brighton beach on May 13.

The brief hearing took place at Woodvale Crematorium in Brighton and lasted approximately 15 minutes. During the proceedings, officials confirmed that the cause of death for all three women has yet to be ascertained.

The inquest represents the formal opening of the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the sisters' deaths. Further hearings are expected as the investigation continues.

Black Rock is located on the eastern section of Brighton beach, a popular coastal area in East Sussex. The coroner's office will continue to examine the circumstances of the incident as part of the ongoing inquest process.