Nicola Bulley's family said they are "incredibly heartbroken" following the discovery of a body in the River Wyre.
Nicola, 45, went missing while walking her dog along the river in St Michael's on Wyre in Lancashire on January 27, after dropping her children off at school. Lancashire Police confirmed earlier today that a body was found in the water around a mile from where Nicola disappeared.
No formal identification has yet been confirmed but police said Nicola Bulley's family have been informed.
READ MORE: Nicola Bulley search expert Peter Faulding issues statement after body found
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."
Police were called at 11.36am on Sunday to reports of a body in the River Wyre, close to Rawcliffe Road. An underwater search team and specialist officers were sent to the scene, and a body was recovered.
Police said they are treating the death as "unexplained" and formal identification is yet to take place.
Lancashire Police 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."
Receive newsletters with the latest news, sport and what's on updates from the Liverpool ECHO by signing up here
READ NEXT:
Nicola Bulley search expert Peter Faulding issues statement after body found
Shooting plot thug stashed loaded gun in fish tank for 16-year-old gang boss
Merseyside's 'Narnia', the place that 'does not exist'
Liverpool bakery serving generations of customers for 65 years
