Lancashire Police said "thoughts are with" Nicola Bulley's family after a body was found near to where the mum-of-two went missing.
An extensive search operation was launched to find the 45-year-old after she vanished 23 days ago while out walking the family dog. Police issued an update earlier today to announce a body had been found near to where the 45-year-old went missing.
Officers were keen to stress no formal identification has taken place and could not confirm if it is Ms Bulley. However, a statement confirmed the missing mum's family have been informed of the developments.
READ MORE: Full timeline of events after Nicola Bulley disappearance
A statement said: "We are currently treating the death as unexplained. Nicola’s family have been informed of developments and our thoughts are with them at this most difficult of times. We ask that their privacy is respected."
Officers 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 gone to the scene, entered the water and recovered a body.
Officers said they are treating the death as "unexplained." Suella Braverman has taken to Twitter to describe today's developments as "heartbreaking and distressing".
The Home Secretary tweeted: "These are heartbreaking and distressing developments. My thoughts remain with Nicola's family at this extremely difficult time."
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