Six-year-old girl dies days after mother, father and sister pulled from sea

A six-year-old girl has died in hospital, three days after her mother, father, and sister drowned off the coast of West Sussex. Saja El-Khawas had been in critical condition since the incident on Tuesday, when her family was pulled from the water near Shoreham Fort.

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This heartbreaking update is one we all feared in the aftermath of Tuesday’s tragic events.

Her death brings the total to four family members lost in the tragedy. Police, paramedics, and coastguard crews responded to reports of four people in difficulty in the water on Tuesday afternoon. The family had reportedly traveled from London to visit the area.

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I cannot imagine the devastation felt by the wider family of Hassan, Zeina, Sara and Saja after this loss.

Sussex police stated that the investigation remains open, but the current hypothesis, based on CCTV footage and initial witness accounts, is that the incident was a tragic accident with no third-party involvement. The family's next of kin are aware and receiving support from officers.

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On behalf of everyone at Sussex police, I extend our thoughts and heartfelt condolences.

Ch Supt James Collis expressed his condolences, calling the update heartbreaking and acknowledging the devastation felt by the wider family. He thanked the public for their sympathies and asked for privacy for the grieving family. Saja's school in London also issued a statement mourning her loss and extending condolences to her family and friends.

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She was a sweet girl, well-liked by staff and students and she will be greatly missed.