Harrowing news.

The family of Nicola Bulley has issued a statement following the discovery of her body. Earlier today, Lancashire Police confirmed that they recovered Nicola Bulley's body from the River Wyre. Police have informed Nicola's family of the devastating news. "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.

"She was the one who made our lives so special and nothing will cast a shadow over that."

Nicola's family pleaded for privacy during this distressing time. "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 profiles. 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 have 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'll take it from here." We're keeping her family in our thoughts during this heartbreaking time.