Nicola Bulley, 45, was last seen in January strolling her dog Willow along a footpath along the River Wyre.

Police have confirmed that a body discovered in the River Wyre is that of missing mother-of-two Nicola Bulley.

On January 27, a 45-year-old mortgage expert was seen walking along a riverside path in St. Michael’s on Wyre, Lancashire.

A body was found in the canal near where Ms. Bulley was last seen on Sunday after a three-week search.

Police in Lancashire has now verified that the deceased is Ms. Bulley.

Assistant Chief Constable Peter Lawson stated at a news conference, “Today’s development is not the outcome any of us would have desired, but we hope it can at least begin to provide some answers for Nicola’s loved ones, who remain paramount in our thoughts.

“Nicola’s disappearance has had a tremendous effect on her family, colleagues, and St. Michael’s residents,” he added.

“We would like to appreciate everyone who assisted us during this extremely complex and emotionally charged investigation.”

In a statement read by police, the family stated that the official identification confirmed “our worst concerns.

“We will never understand what Nikki endured in her final minutes, and that will never leave us,” the family said.

“We will never forget Nikki, how could we? She was the centre of our world and made our lives extraordinary, and nothing can change that.

Our daughters will receive the necessary support from those who love them most.

The family questioned the responsibility of the press and members of the public who “accused their father of wrongdoing, misquoted him, and maligned his acquaintances and family members.”

The discovery of Ms. Bulley’s body, according to Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, was “devastating.”

He stated, “My heart goes out to Nicola’s spouse, children, family, and acquaintances.

According to reports, a man and a woman walking their dog near the river on Sunday called the police after spotting a person in the water, prompting officers to initiate a search.

Ms. Bulley was last seen strolling her dog, Willow, more than three weeks ago.

Shortly thereafter, both the springer spaniel and Ms. Bulley’s mobile phone were discovered on a bench along a precipitous riverbank.

The phone remained connected to a conference call for business.

According to the police, Ms. Bulley had “significant issues with alcohol” brought on by “ongoing struggles with menopause.”

Many, including Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, criticized the disclosure of such confidential information, but Ms. Bulley’s family stated that they were “aware beforehand that Lancashire Police released a statement with some personal details about our Nikki.”

When questioned if there would be an external investigation into Lancashire Police’s handling of Ms. Bulley’s disappearance, the home secretary stated that she would await the results of the force’s investigations.

Suella Braverman stated that she was not “entirely satisfied” with the chief constable’s explanations for why some of Ms. Bulley’s personal information was disclosed to the public.