Police in the UK have confirmed that a body found in the River Wyre on Sunday is that of missing mum Nicola Bulley.
The mum-of-two, 45, tragically went missing while walking her dog on January 27. She vanished after dropping off her daughters, aged six and nine, at school.
Her body was recovered from the river on Sunday morning in St Michael's on Wyre in Lancashire after officers were called to the scene, less than a mile from where Nicola was last seen.
READ MORE: Expert reveals two reasons why it took 23 days to find body in Nicola Bulley search
Ms Bulley, a mortgage broker, leaves behind her two daughters Harriet, 9, and Sophia, 6, partner Paul Ansell, 44, sister Louise Cunningham, and parents Ernie and Dot Bulley.
Lancashire Police said Nicola's family is devastated after receiving confirmation that she has sadly died.
The police force said the case is now being handled by HM Coroner.
Lancashire Constabulary said: "Sadly, we are now able to confirm that yesterday we recovered Nicola Bulley from the River Wyre.
"Nicola's family have been informed and are of course devastated. Our thoughts are with them at this time as well as with all her loved ones and the wider community.
"We recognise the huge impact that Nicola’s disappearance has had on her family and friends, but also on the people of St Michael's. We would like to thank all of those who have helped during what has been a hugely complex and highly emotional investigation.
"Today's development is not the outcome any of us would have wanted, but we hope that it can at least start to provide some answers for Nicola's loved ones, who remain foremost in our thoughts.
"The case is now being handled by HM Coroner."
Nicola's heartbroken family said in a statement, released through the police: "Our Family Liaison officers have had to confirm our worst fears today.
"We will never be able to comprehend what Nikki had gone through in her last moments and that will never leave us.
"We will never forget Nikki, how could we, she was the centre of our world, she was the one who made our lives so special and nothing will cast a shadow over that.
"Our girls will get the support they need from the people who love them the most.
"And it saddens us to think that one day we will have to explain to them that the press and members of the public accused their dad of wrongdoing, misquoted and vilified friends and family. This is absolutely appalling, they have to be held accountable this cannot happen to another family.
"We tried last night to take in what we had been told in the day, only to have Sky News and ITV making contact with us directly when we expressly asked for privacy.
"They again, have taken it upon themselves to run stories about us to sell papers and increase their own profiles. It is shameful they have acted in this way. Leave us alone now.
"Do the press and other media channels and so called professionals not know when to stop? These are our lives and our children's lives.
"To those who genuinely helped and supported us, privately, we thank you. The community support in St Michael's, friends', neighbours and strangers has been nothing short of comforting and heart-warming. Friends you know who you are. Thank you.
"Our hearts truly break for others who have missing loved ones. Keep that hope alive.
"Finally, Nikki, you are no longer a missing person, you have been found, we can let you rest now.
"We love you, always have and always will, we'll take it from here xx"
Police zeroed in on the scene in St Michael's on Wyre, Lancashire, after a tip-off from two dog walkers.
A man and woman were seen pointing to a spot in the River Wyre - and police helicopters and drones were seen circling above.
A photographer at the scene told the Mirror: "It all happened so fast. Police have sealed all the roads off. It's fair to say a massive search is underway."
Lancashire Police said in a statement on Sunday: "This morning, Sunday, 19 February, you may be aware of police activity around the river near to St Michael's. We want to provide you with an update on that activity.
"We were called today at 11:36am to reports of a body in the River Wyre, close to Rawcliffe Road.
"An underwater search team and specialist officers have subsequently attended the scene, entered the water and have sadly recovered a body."
Home Secretary Suella Braverman said earlier that developments in the case of Nicola Bulley were "heartbreaking and distressing."
She tweeted: "These are heart-breaking and distressing developments. My thoughts remain with Nicola's family at this extremely difficult time."
READ NEXT:
The moment two gardai are attacked in broad daylight in Dublin - caught on video
Woman '100%' convinced she is Madeleine McCann breaks down in tears as she is shunned by family
Sister of woman who vanished without a trace in Dublin has new CCTV hope
Nicola Bulley dive expert explains why he didn't find body in river search
UFO fears in Wexford after more than 100 unexplained lights spotted in the sky
Get breaking news to your inbox by signing up to our newsletter
