A body has been found in the search for missing mum Nicola Bulley.
The body was discovered in the River Wyre close to where the mum-of-two disappeared while walking her dog Willow in the village of St Michael’s on Wyre in Lancashire. Lancashire Police said no formal identification has yet been carried out so they are 'unable to say whether this is Nicola Bulley at this time'.
In a statement, a Lancashire Police spokesperson said: "This morning, Sunday, 19 February, you may be aware of police activity around the river near to St Michaels. 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.
READ MORE: Police have recovered a body in the search for Nicola Bulley
"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, so 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."
Nicola was last seen at 9.10am on January 27, taking her usual route with Willow, alongside the river, having earlier dropped off her two daughters at school. A huge police presence descended on the area this afternoon, with a road near to the river taped off and drivers spotted in the area.
In a press conference on Wednesday, Lancashire Police revealed Ms Bulley was classed as a 'high-risk' missing person immediately after her partner reported her disappearance 'based on a number of specific vulnerabilities'. They later added in a statement that she had been struggling with alcohol issues and the menopause, and had stopped taking HRT medication.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Nicola’s family described her as a ‘wonderful daughter, sister, partner and mother’ as they pleaded with her to come home.
This is a breaking news story. More to follow.
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