The body of a "beautiful girl with her whole life ahead" was found in Bootle dock and has lead to an outpouring of grief across the city today.
Katie Foulds, 22, was last seen last walking towards the sea in St Annes on the Fylde coast almost three months ago.
Footage from a drone showed a figure walking down the beach towards the water 13 minutes after the last confirmed sighting of her.
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Police thought this might have been Katie at the time but were unable to confirm for certain.
On April 19, emergency services were called out to reports a body had been found at the docks in Bootle.
This morning, police confirmed that the body was that of Katie who went missing from her home in Blackburn on February 10.
Following the sad news, people have posted their condolences to Katie's family on Facebook and the ECHO website.
On Facebook, Cally Wagner said: "How sad, this poor young woman - my heart breaks for her family. May she Rest In Peace and fly with the angels."
Betty Adams posted: "RIP Katie - my thoughts are with the family at this very sad time."
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Lynn Jones said: "Love and prayers to her family...fly high beautiful girl."
On the website, lifeisajourney said: "Heartbreakingly sad, love and best wishes to Katie’s family, may she rest in peace."
The wigan warrior posted: "So sad and sorry...beautiful young lady take to soon rest in peace."
And Ronster said: "So sad, RIP KATE you were a beautiful young girl with you whole life ahead of you".
Following today's confirmation, a spokesperson for Lancashire Police said: "We were called around 5.30pm on April 19 to reports a body had been found at the docks at Bootle, Merseyside.
"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."
Mum Rachel Foulds posted: "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."
