Woman dies on Worthing beach from 'medical episode' as heatwave sweeps UK

A 'major incident' has been declared across the south coast
An air ambulance rushed to Worthing beach but a woman, in her 50s, was pronounced dead at the scene
Alamy Live News
Harriet Brews25 June 2020

A woman has died on a beach in West Sussex as UK temperatures continue to soar.

Sussex Police and local ambulance services rushed to Worthing seafront at around midday on Thursday following reports of a "serious incident".

The force confirmed that a woman, believed to be in her 50s, had died after reportedly suffering a "medical episode".

"Our thoughts are with her loved ones at this difficult time," they said in a statement.

The news came just moments before councils on the south coast declared a "major incident", saying they were able to cope with the shocking influx of visitors.

At the beach in Worthing, an air ambulance was pictured landing on the pebbled shore as sun-dwellers evacuated the area.

Several police cars and three ambulances were also called to the scene as paramedics battled to save the woman's life.

A spokesman for the South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb) said: “Sadly, despite the efforts of everyone at the scene a woman has sadly died.”

Temperatures had hit 28C in the area by the time of the tragic incident.

The heatwave saw the mercury rise above 30C in parts of the UK by lunchtime, after highs of 32.6C on Wednesday.

But temperatures are expected to continue to creep up over the course of the afternoon making it the hottest day of the year so far.

UK Heatwave: June 25, 2020

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People have been warned to stay hydrated while out and about in the scorching conditions, with sunseekers flocking to beaches despite social distancing restrictions.

Across the country, Brits have tested lockdown rules to pile into beauty spots.

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole council declared the major incident just before 3pm after thousands of people descended on England's south coast, bringing their rubbish and tents with them.

The local authority said services were “completely overstretched” as huge numbers of visitors defied advice to stay away.

Council leader Vikki Slade said: “We are absolutely appalled at the scenes witnessed on our beaches, particularly at Bournemouth and Sandbanks, in the last 24-48 hours.

“The irresponsible behaviour and actions of so many people is just shocking and our services are stretched to the absolute hilt trying to keep everyone safe.

"We have had no choice now but to declare a major incident and initiate an emergency response.”

The council said 558 parking enforcement fines had been issued – the highest on record.

Dorset Police also urged people to stay away, stressing: "We are also reliant on people taking personal responsibility and strongly advise members of the public to think twice before heading to the area."

Similar scenes of overcrowding hit Brighton beach in East Sussex, with sun-bathers failing to keep two metres apart.

Sardines: Brighton beach was teaming with sunseekers on Thursday
REUTERS

An amber level three heat-health alert, issued by the Met Office, was extended on Thursday to take in Yorkshire and the east and south of England as well as the West and East Midlands.

Health authorities have encouraged those most vulnerable – many of whom have been shielding during lockdown – to protect themselves amid the “exceptionally hot weather forecast this week”.

Public Health England (PHE) said older people, those with underlying health conditions, and very young children were all more at risk from the higher temperatures.

It is expected temperatures in west London could reach 33C (91.4F) later in the day, while parts of Wales could see the mercury rise to 34C (93.2F).

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