Girl, 6, dies after Shoreham sea tragedy which killed Palestinian family
Tom Rutland, East Worthing and Shoreham MP, said: “The whole community here is heartbroken by the death of Saja.
“We had been hoping and praying for her recovery after she was taken to hospital on Tuesday.
“My thoughts are with her family and friends at this incredibly sad time.”
A community vigil is taking place on Saturday morning at Kingston Beach as well as a one-minute silence in Shoreham town centre.
The family lived in London and were British citizens of Palestinian origin, with roots in the Rashidieh refugee camp in Lebanon. Their extended family had lived in the UK for many years, the Palestinian Forum says.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham called the incident a “terrible family tragedy”.
People in Shoreham left floral tributes at the scene and said the community was devastated.
The Beach Residents’ Association said the incident had “sent shockwaves across the local community”.
Local councillor Joss Loader, who represents the Shoreham Beach Residents’ Association and has lived in the area most of her life, described the deaths as a “shocking, heart-rending tragedy”.
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