Body found in a search for missing North Yorkshire woman
An underwater search team found her this morning in the River Derwent
Police have confirmed that a body has been found in the search for a missing woman.
34-year-old Victoria Taylor had disappeared almost a month ago from Malton.
An underwater search team found her this morning in the River Derwent close to where Victoria's belongings were recovered.
Formal identification is yet to take place, but her family have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.
North Yorkshire Police have issued a statement:
"Today we have recovered a body in connection with the search for missing 34-year-old Victoria Taylor.
"The police underwater search team made the discovery at 11.45am this morning in the River Derwent close to where Victoria's belongings were recovered.
"Formal identification is yet to take place, but Victoria’s family have been informed of this development and understandably they are distressed by today’s news. Our specialist family liaison officers will continue to support them.
"Victoria, who is from Norton near Malton, was reported missing on Tuesday 01 October. Since the initial report was received, we have carried out extensive searches to try and locate Victoria.
"The scale of investigation undertaken by North Yorkshire Police has provided us with a detailed understanding of Victoria’s key movements within the time parameters of her disappearance.
"As part of our strategy, we issued multiple appeals to the public and media for information. We would like to thank the members of the public who responded and assisted us with our enquiries.
"The disappearance of Victoria has understandably had a wider impact on the communities of Malton and Norton. Those closest to Victoria have felt an enormous amount of heartache in the days after she went missing and have acknowledged how grateful they are for the overwhelming support from the community.
"Whilst today’s outcome is not what anyone would have wished for, Victoria’s family have asked us to say that they are devastated and would like some space to be able to process the news, and our thoughts remain with them at this time.
In a statement released last Tuesday to mark two weeks since Ms Taylor was reported missing, her sisters Emma and Heidi said:
"There are no words for us to describe how we are feeling as it's ever-changing.
"We have to have some sort of normality for the children. As we know, Vixx is a mum but also an auntie and Halloween is one of her favourite seasons as she is the costume queen."
In a statement released via North Yorkshire Police, the sisters said:
"The local community is amazing, from putting up posters to the daily walks to search for Vixx. We would like to thank the special people, you know who you are.
"The wider community on the Facebook page with over 10,000 people sharing Vixx's information and sending support has given us comfort."