A man has died after a medical incident on the beach in Hastings, East Sussex, as a record-breaking heatwave swept across England. Emergency services responded to the emergency on Sunday morning near Warrior Square, St Leonards, following concerns for a man's welfare, Sussex Police said. The man was pronounced dead at the scene, and there were no suspicious circumstances, the force added.
Heatwave Conditions Across England
Eight areas of England met heatwave conditions on Sunday amid a spell of unusually high May temperatures. The heatwave threshold—consecutive days of 26 or 27°C heat—was reached at Kew Gardens, Heathrow, and Northolt in London; Benson in Oxfordshire; Brooms Barn and Santon Downham in Suffolk; and High Breech and Writtle in Essex. Families flocked to beaches across the country over the weekend to enjoy the sunshine.
Record Temperatures
A high of 32.3°C was recorded at Kew Gardens on Sunday, making it the hottest day of the year so far. Sunday also marked the UK's warmest May day in at least 79 years. New national May temperature records were expected to be set again on bank holiday Monday. The current highest May record is 32.8°C, set in 1944.
Health Alert Issued
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued its first amber health alert of 2026 on Friday, warning of a significant potential impact on health and social care services. The alert remains in place until Wednesday.
Police Statement
A spokesperson for Sussex Police said: “Emergency services responded to a medical incident on the beach near Warrior Square, St Leonards, following concerns for a man’s welfare. Officers assisted with the emergency response after the incident was reported at 11am on 24 May. Sadly, despite the best efforts of paramedics, the man was declared deceased at the scene. His next of kin have been informed, and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time. There were no suspicious circumstances, and a report will be prepared for HM Coroner.”
