Five men who died in the Camber Sands tragedy were friends who had planned a day trip to the beach.

The young men, who were all in their late teens and early 20s, were pulled from the sea on the packed Sussex beach yesterday afternoon.

They were named as 22-year-old Nitharsan Ravi, Kobi Nathan, 19, and his brother Kenigan Nathan, 22, Kurushanth Anna, 27 and Inthushan Sri.

The group of friends from south east London were visiting on a day trip to the beach, police said.

It is understood formal identification has not yet taken place.

Tributes have been paid to Mr Ravi and Mr Sriskantharaja on social media.

Jackson Rosco posted about Mr Ravi: "Can't believe to hear the news that you were one of the boys at Camber Sands.

"You were truly a good person with a good heart. You are going to be missed on this earth. Condolences and prayers to the family at this time."

Posting a link to one of dozens of online articles, Caliston Calistus, wrote: "Goodbyes hurt the most when the story was not finished...RIP Inthushan!"

Sussex Police is yet to release the names while the bodies are awaiting formal identification.

Chief Superintendent Di Roskilly said earlier: "We believe we now know who the men are and that they came to the beach together for the day.

"These men were not fully clothed when they were pulled from the sea but wearing clothes appropriate for being at the beach for the day."

Searches continued well into last night amid reports a sixth person was missing.

Ch Supt Roskilly added: "We have no further reports of anyone else missing from Camber and there are no on-going searches related to this incident.

"This has been an incredibly tragic incident and we are offering their next of kin support at this difficult time and our thoughts are with them."

Deputy Chief Constable of Sussex Police, Bernie O'Reilly praised the efforts of police officers involved in the rescue operation and expressed sympathy to the victims' families and friends.