A special church service has been held in Shoreham to remember four members of the same family who died after getting into difficulty in the sea.

Dozens of people gathered at St Julian's Church on Sunday, close to the scene of the tragedy, for a service offering the local community an opportunity to grieve and reflect.

Local MP Tom Rutland was among those attending.

Hassan El-Khawas, 55, Zeina Alayn, 37, and their 14-year-old daughter Sara died after getting into difficulty in the water on Tuesday 18 August.

Their six-year-old daughter, Saja El-Khawas, was taken to hospital but died several days later.

The family had travelled from their home in London for a visit to Shoreham when they got into difficulty at around 2pm, according to Sussex Police.

The Revd Erika Howard said the service at St Julian's was intended to provide a peaceful space for those affected by the deaths, as well as recognising the emergency services who responded.

"This service is here to offer space and tranquility, an opportunity to bring our feelings," she told ITV News.

"I'm sure there are a myriad of at this moment. People who've been involved with the tragedy that happened around the corner from this building."

A major emergency response was launched following the incident, involving the Coastguard, RNLI, South East Coast Ambulance Service and police.

Sussex Police said an initial review of CCTV and witness accounts indicated the deaths were the result of a tragic accident, with no evidence of third-party involvement.

Following the death of Saja, Chief Superintendent James Collis of Sussex Police said: “This heartbreaking update is one we all feared in the aftermath of Tuesday’s tragic events.

“I cannot imagine the devastation felt by the wider family of Hassan, Zeina, Sara and Saja after this loss. On behalf of everyone at Sussex Police, I extend our thoughts and heartfelt condolences.

“The impact of this tragedy has been felt across the country, and I know the Shoreham community, emergency responders and all involved will continue to be affected for a long time to come.

“I would like to thank all of the public who have shared their sympathies and kind words, and once again ask for the victims’ family and loved ones to be left to grieve in privacy.”

The family's extended relatives have lived in the UK for many years, according to the Palestinian Forum.

A fundraising campaign has since been established to help the family with funeral arrangements and the repatriation of their loved ones to Lebanon.