Body found of missing 22-year-old Lancashire woman Katie Foulds
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The discovery brings an end to the search for Katie, who was reported missing from home on February 10 and was last seen near the sea in St Annes.
Her body was pulled from the water at the docks in Bootle, near Liverpool, eight days ago (April 19), but an initial post mortem failed to confirm that it was Katie.
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Hide AdBut following further forensic tests, Lancashire Police has confirmed that the body is that of Ms Foulds.
The force says her death is not being treated as suspicious.
A police spokesman said: "A body has been found in the search for missing woman Katie Foulds.
"We were called around 5.30pm on April 19 to reports a body had been found at the docks at Bootle, Merseyside.
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Hide Ad"A Home Office post mortem was conducted to help identify the body and initially proved inconclusive.
"However, following further tests, we can now confirm the body found is Katie, 22, who went missing from home in Blackburn on February 10 and was seen later that day in St Annes.
"The death is not being treated as suspicious.
"Katie’s family have been informed and are being supported by officers.
"These are very sad and tragic circumstances and our thoughts remain with them at this difficult time."
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Hide AdKatie's mum, Rachel Foulds, expressed her heartbreak at the discovery of her daughter's body on Facebook.
She said: "It's with great sadness and a heavy heart I want to announce that a body was recovered from the sea last Monday and has now been identified as my beloved daughter, Katie.
"I just want to thank everyone for their loving support and kind wishes throughout this sorrowful time, especially those who went looking for her when she first went missing.
"RIP Katie."
If you have been affected by this story and would like to speak to someone, you can call Samaritans for free on 116 123.
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