NICOLA Bulley's family have said that her heartbroken daughters will be supported by "those who love them the most" after her tragic death.

Police confirmed this afternoon that the body recovered yesterday from the River Wyre, Lancashire, was that of the missing mum-of-two.

In a statement via Lancashire Police, the "devastated" family said that their "worst fears" had been confirmed and thanked their friends and local community in St Michael's on Wyre, Lancashire, for supporting them.

They said: "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 that love us the most.

"To those that genuinely helped and supported us, privately, we thank you.

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"The community support in St Michael’s, friends, neighbours and strangers, has been nothing short of comforting and heartwarming.

"Friends you know who you are, thank you."

In their statement, Nicola’s family criticised press coverage of the search for the mum-of-two and hit out at harmful social media speculation.

They specifically mentioned two broadcasters who tried to contact them today, after they had 'expressly asked for privacy'.

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The case has attracted widespread interest since tragic Nicola's disappearance and amateur sleuths have flooded social media with wild theories during the three week hunt for the mum.

They finished with a touching tribute to their beloved relative, adding: "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."

It comes after:

• Police confirmed that Nicola’s body had been found in the River Wyre
• Nicola’s family said that they’ll never be able to “comprehend what Nikki went through” or “forget” the tragedy
• A ‘psychic’ claimed that he found the body during the search
• The Home Secretary was reported to be “not satisfied” over cop’s explanation of why they released information on Nicola’s “vulnerabilities”
• Dive expert Peter Faulding said “I did my best” in the search for the mum-of-two
• An ex-cop said that the body may have been “weighed down” before it was found

At a press conference this afternoon, Lancashire Police confirmed Nicola's death, saying it was "not the outcome any of us would have wanted."

Assistant Chief Constable Peter Lawson said: "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 her loved ones and the wider community.

"We recognise the huge impact that Nicola’s disappearance has had on her family and her 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 high emotional investigation.

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"Today’s development is not the outcome any of us would have wanted, but we hope that at least it can to begin to provide some answers for Nicola’s loved ones. They remain foremost in our thoughts."

He added that the case was now being handled by His Majesty's Coroner.

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