Victoria Taylor: Body Recovered in Search for Missing Mom

Victoria Taylor had been missing since 30 September.

By Sheenu Gupta On Oct 23, 2024 Share with new partner:

A body, believed to be that of 34-year-old Victoria Taylor, has been discovered during the ongoing search for the woman who went missing from her home in North Yorkshire three weeks ago. Authorities have been conducting an extensive search since her disappearance, and though formal identification is still pending, it is suspected that the body found is hers. Taylor’s disappearance had prompted widespread concern, and this development marks a tragic turn in the investigation. Authorities are expected to release further details following the identification process.

Police involved in the search for the missing woman, Victoria Taylor, affectionately known as Vixx, have stated that there is a “significant possibility” she may have entered the River Derwent. The river flows through the town of Malton, where she resided, and investigators have been focusing on this area as part of their efforts to locate her. Authorities have not ruled out other possibilities but are treating the river as a key element in their search, given its proximity to her home and the circumstances surrounding her disappearance.

On Tuesday, Taylor’s family was notified that a woman’s body had been found in the river, near the location where she disappeared on September 30. The discovery was made during the search efforts, and while formal identification is still required, the proximity to where she was last seen has raised concerns that it may be her. Authorities continue to work with the family as they await further updates.

CCTV footage showing Victoria Taylor walking towards a play park near the water’s edge was made public as part of a large-scale police operation to find her. The search effort included the use of divers and specialist sonar equipment to thoroughly investigate the area, especially around the river. This footage was a crucial piece of evidence in the investigation, helping authorities narrow down the focus of their search.

On Tuesday, Assistant Chief Constable Wayne Fox of North Yorkshire Police confirmed that a body had been recovered by underwater search teams at 11:45 am. The discovery was made near the location where Victoria Taylor’s belongings had previously been found, further linking the area to the ongoing investigation into her disappearance.

During a press conference held at Fulford police station in York, Assistant Chief Constable Wayne Fox stated that while formal identification of the body had not yet been completed, Victoria Taylor’s family had been informed and were “understandably distressed” by the news. He also acknowledged the broader effect her disappearance has had on the communities of Malton and Norton, where many have been deeply affected by the situation.

“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 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.”

Officers previously said Taylor left her home at 9am on Monday 30 September, and was seen on CCTV at 11.35am at the BP garage on Welham Road in the Norton area of Malton, where she bought several items.