A postmortem examination is to take place after police recovered a body from the River Lagan believed to be that of missing Lisburn woman Paula Elliott.
Searches and appeals to locate the 52-year-old mother-of-three had continued since she was last seen driving in Lisburn on March 5, with her car discovered by the Lagan Towpath shortly afterwards.
Police confirmed the body of a woman was recovered from the River Lagan on Monday.
Although formal identification had yet to take place, the family of Paula Elliott were informed ahead of a postmortem examination.
On Tuesday, a family member said they were not ready to comment on the news.
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Volunteers from the Community Rescue Service said they had located the body on Monday, following weeks of searches along with the members of the Search and Rescue Dog Association and Skywatch.
“The management and volunteers of the Community Rescue Service extend our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of the deceased,” the group posted on Tuesday.
Several MLAs from the Lagan Valley constituency also paid tribute to the family on Tuesday.
The DUP’s Paul Givan called it “devastating news” for Ms Elliott’s family and friends.
Such tragic and heartbreaking news this morning.
— Sorcha Eastwood MLA (@SorchaEastwood) April 2, 2024
I know the community in Lisburn & further afield will continue to hold Paula’s family very much in their thoughts and prayers in the difficult days, weeks and months ahead and wrap their arms around them in support. pic.twitter.com/jLt1TSDi5c
Alliance MLA Sorcha Eastwood commented: “Such tragic and heartbreaking news this morning.
“I know the community in Lisburn and further afield will continue to hold Paula’s family very much in their thoughts and prayers in the difficult days, weeks and months ahead and wrap their arms around them in support.
“Thinking sincerely of the family circle at this time and trust that they will be given privacy and space at this difficult time.”
The Ulster Unionist MLA Robbie Butler said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with Paula’s family and friends.”
Last week, Ms Elliott’s oldest son Stefin (31) and brother David Birney (45) had thanked rescue volunteers for their efforts to find her.
“It’s not until something like this happens to your family that you realise there are people out there to really want to help and support you,” Mr Elliott told the Irish News.
Holding on to hope at the time, he added: “I just want say mum, you are so very much loved, and we want you to come home.”
Having joined in with searches along the Lagan Towpath and spoken out for public appeals, Mr Birney said his sister had helped to care for their elderly father and that waiting for news of her whereabouts had been especially difficult for the family.
