Body in River Wyre confirmed by police as Nicola Bulley

Police confirmed the news in a press conference, with Lancashire Deputy Police Officer Peter Lawson saying: “Unfortunately we can now confirm that we recovered Nicola Bulley from the River Wyre yesterday.

“Nicola’s family has been informed and is of course devastated. Our thoughts are with her, all her loved ones and the community at this time.

“We recognize the tremendous impact this is having Nicholas Bulley‘s disappearance has impacted her family and friends, but also the people of St. Michael.

(PA) The body has been confirmed to be that of Nicola Bulley (Image: PA)

“We would like to thank everyone who helped with this extremely complex and highly emotional investigation.

“Today’s development is not the outcome any of us would have wished for, but we hope it can at least begin to provide some answers for Nicolas’ loved ones, which are at the top of our minds.”

The body of the 40-year-old mother of two was found just after a sharp bend in the river, about half a mile downstream from the village of St. Michael.

Bulley was reported missing more than three weeks ago, January 27, after taking her children to school and walking her dog on the beach River Wyre.

The family also released a statement, saying, “We will never be able to understand what Nikki went through in her final moments and that will never leave us.

“We will never forget Nikki, how could we, she was the center 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 they love 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 have accused their father of wrongdoing, misquoted and slandered friends and family.

“This is absolutely appalling, they must be held accountable, this cannot happen to any other family.

“We tried to tape last night what we were told during the day, only to have Sky News and ITV get in touch with us directly when we specifically asked for privacy. They have taken it upon themselves again to tell stories about us in order to sell newspapers and increase their own profits. It is shameful that they acted in this way. Leave us alone now.

“Do the press and other media outlets and so-called professionals not know when to stop? This is our life and the life of our children.

“We thank those who have really helped and supported us privately. The support from the St. Michael’s community, friends, neighbors and strangers, was nothing short of comforting and heartwarming. Friends, you know who you are. Thank you very much.

“Our hearts are truly broken for others who are missing loved ones. Keep that hope alive.

“Finally Nikki, you’re not a missing person anymore, you’ve been found, we can let you rest now.

“We love you, always have and always will, we’ll take it from here.”

Recently there have been concerns about the handling of the investigation Lancashire Police shared personal information about her, namely her “significant problems with alcohol” which were “caused by her ongoing struggles with menopause.”

The prime minister commented, saying he was “concerned about private information being made public”.