Nicola Bulley search expert Peter Faulding makes first statement as police discover body

Nicola Bulley search expert Peter Faulding has spoken out for the first time after police announced earlier today they had discovered a body in the search for the mum-of-two.

The head of Specialist Group International (SGI) was recruited by Nicola’s family to help find her ten days after she first went missing on January 27 whilst walking her dog in the village of St Michael’s on Wyre in Lancashire.

Faulding’s SGI conducted a series of underwater searches across three days scouring a stretch of water close to where the missing woman's phone was discovered on a bench.

READ MORE: Commissioner urges 'respect and privacy' to Nicola Bulley's family as body found

Earlier today, police announced that a body had been found in the River Wyre close to Rawcliffe Road during their ongoing search for the mother-of-two. No formal identification of the body has yet been made.

In a statement, Lancashire Police confirmed Nicola’s family had been informed of the discovery and their thoughts were ‘with them at this most difficult of times’.

Responding to news reports of the discovery this afternoon, Faulding posted on social media: “Our thoughts are with Nicola’s family and friends at this difficult time. #nicolabulley”

The road near the River Wyre remains sealed off by police as they continue their investigation. A forensic tent has also been erected by specialist CSI officers.

In a statement issued today, Lancashire Police 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