The family of Nicola Bulley have released a statement, after Lancashire Police this evening confirmed the death of the 45-year-old who vanished from the village of St Michael's on Wyre, January 27.
Police yesterday recovered the 45-year-old mum of two's body from the River Wyre, after it was spotted and reported by members of the general public at 11.36am.
After a thorough identification process, police this evening confirmed that it was tragically the body of Nicola that they had retrieved - after a search spanning more than three weeks for the missing mortgage advisor.
Read more: Nicola Bulley updates: Tragedy as police confirm body found in river was Nicola Bulley
In a statement read at 5.30pm this evening, Assistant Chief Constable Peter Lawson told members of the media: "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 their 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 that any of us would have wanted, but we hope that the police can begin to provide some answers for Nicola's loved ones - they remain foremost in our thoughts.
"The case is now being handled by His Majesty's Coroner."
Detective Chief Superintendent Pauline Stables, then read out a statement prepared by Nicola's family. She said: "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 profits.
"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 will take it from here. Thank you."
Read next:
- Nicola Bulley police statement in full as body pulled from river near where mum went missing
- Nicola Bulley updates: Body found near where missing mum-of-two vanished
- Nicola Bulley's final three conversations before missing mum vanished shared by police
- Nicola Bulley latest as police say there is still 'no evidence' of third-party involvement
- Nicola Bulley's sister makes urgent plea as widespread search for missing mum continues
