A body has been recovered in the search for missing mother Victoria Taylor, North Yorkshire Police said this afternoon.
Ms Taylor, 34, disappeared from her home in Norton, Malton, on Monday 30 September prompting a huge search operation.
At a press call at York police station on Fulford Road this afternoon (Tuesday), temporary Assistant Chief Constable Wayne Fox said: “Today we’ve recovered a body in connection with search for missing 34-year-old Victoria Taylor.
“The police underwater search team made the discovery at approximately 11.45am this morning in the River Derwent, close to where Victoria’s belongings were recovered.
“Formal identification is yet to take place. However, Victoria’s family have been informed that this development, and understandably, they are distressed by today’s news.
“Our specialist team of family members and office will continue to support Victoria’s family in the coming days.”
Asst Ch Con Fox added: “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.”
Last sighting
Victoria was last seen on Monday at her home in Malton which she shared with partner Matthew Grant Williams and their two-year-old daughter.
She left home at 9am on 30 September, and was then seen on CCTV at 11.35am at the BP garage on Welham Road in the Norton area of Malton, where she purchased several items.
A further sighting was captured at 11.53am at Malton bus station on Railway Street.
Further CCTV footage showed Ms Taylor walking towards the play park on Riverside Walk at 12.30pm.
A number of her possessions were found in that area.
A week ago, 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.
“We would like to thank the police teams as they are doing all they can, and we understand that these things take time.”
Tributes flood in
Within minutes of the police announcement, messages of condolence were published on the Search For Victoria Taylor Facebook Page, which had been coordinating the community effort to find her.
The Derwent Arms became a hub for searchers, offering them free refreshments. This afternoon, landlords Charles and Simon Barber-Peat shared this message: “With the sad news to hit the local community within the last hour we would like to extend our deepest thoughts and condolences to the family and friends of Vixx – Victoria Taylor.
“It’s time to reflect on the last three weeks and check in on those we haven’t spoke to. It’s time to support one another, the families of Vixx, the close friends and the wider community too.”
Another resident posted: “RIP beautiful lady, you will be incredibly missed and was clearly loved beyond words.
“My love and thoughts are with all her of family and friends at this devastating time. So so sorry that this was the outcome.”
And another said: “Absolutely heartbreaking news. Sending love to all family and friends that fought so hard to find you.
“RIP Vixx. You were truly one special lady.”