POLICE have found a body in the search for missing woman Nicola Bulley.

Ms Bulley, 45, went missing just over three weeks ago, on Friday, January 27.

Lancashire Constabulary said they believed she had gone into the river and that her disappearance was not suspicious.

The force has released a major update at 2.42pm, stating officers have found a body today in the River Wyre near to St Michaels, in Lancashire.

The statement 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.

"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 ongoing.

"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."

Ms Bulley's family released a statement through Lancashire Constabulary on Thursday, as the three-week mark of her going missing came around.

The family said: "It has now been three weeks since Nikki went missing.

"We, as a family, believe that the public focus has become distracted from finding Nikki, and more about speculation and rumours into her and Paul’s private life.

"As a family, we were aware beforehand that Lancashire Police, last night, released a statement with some personal details about our Nikki.

"Although we know that Nikki would not have wanted this, there are people out there speculating and threatening to sell stories about her.

"This is appalling and needs to stop.

"The police know the truth about Nikki and now the public need to focus on finding her.

"Due to the peri menopause Nikki suffered with significant side effects such as brain fog, restless sleep and was taking HRT to help but this was giving her intense headaches which caused Nikki to stop taking the HRT thinking that may have helped her but only ended up causing this crisis.

"The public focus has to be on finding her and not making up wild theories about her personal life.

"Despite what some media outlets and individuals are suggesting, we are being updated daily and receive support from our family liaison officers.

"Nikki is such a wonderful daughter, sister , partner and mother and is missed dearly - we all need you back in our lives.

"Nikki, we hope you are reading this and know that we love you so much and your girls want a cuddle.

"We all need you home. You can reach out to us, or you can contact MissingPeople.org.uk.  Don’t be scared, we all love you so very much."