Nicola Bulley's disappearance has devastated people across the country since she went missing more than three weeks ago.
The latest development in the search for the missing mum came earlier today when police and underwater search teams turned their attention to an area of the River Wyre, less than a mile from where Nicola disappeared.
Divers entered the water and a body was recovered, but formal identification is yet to be confirmed. Police said they are treating the death as "unexplained" but Nicola's family have been informed.
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The 45-year-old was last seen walking her dog Willow in St Michael's on Wyre after dropping her daughters, aged six and nine, at school on January 27. Rawcliffe Road in the village was sealed off by police on Sunday as a helicopter was seen circling overhead.
This evening, Sky News correspondent Inzamam Rashid said: "I've been in contact with [Nicola's family on text message, and they are heartbroken by this significant development from Lancashire Police."
He added: "The family are incredibly heartbroken and they will really be struggling tonight."
There was a sombre atmosphere in the quiet village of St Michael's on Wyre this afternoon following the news a body had been recovered. As the sun set over the River Wyre, daffodils and yellow ribbons attached to a bridge blew in the wind, carrying messages of love and support for Nicola's family.
Ribbons were also tied to the bench where Nicola's phone was found at 9.33am on the morning she went missing, still connected to a Teams call.
Lancashire Police said its thoughts are with Nicola's family at this most difficult of times. The force said in a statement: "Police have confirmed a body has been found in the River Wyre in Lancashire. Officers said today, Sunday, February 19, there has been police activity around the river near to St Michaels.
"Police 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.
"No formal identification has yet been carried out. We are unable to say whether this is Nicola Bulley at this time. Procedures to identify the body are on-going.
"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."
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