A CANDLELIT vigil has been held for Nicola Bulley in the town where she grew up, after her body was discovered last week.
A crowd of around 250 people gathered in silence tonight to light candles and leave flowers in memory of the mum-of-two in South Woodham, Essex.
Those mourning her loss included everyone from school friends to strangers who were touched by the desperate, three-week long search for the 45-year-old.
Nicola attended both primary and secondary school in the town, before moving to rural Lancashire.
Kerry Linehan, who organised the vigil with her friend Debbie Nelson, made an emotional speech from the bandstand.
Two New York cops stabbed during celebrations in Times Square
She said that there was "not enough paper in the world" to write a proper tribute for Nicola.
Kerry, who is friends with Nicola's sister Lousie Cunningham, thanked people for attending and "showing love as this heartbreaking time."
She added: "Nikki touched hearts in every possible way and will be terribly missed by everyone, but never forgotten.
"The lights have dimmed in all our lives… She had the most infectious smile. Nicola, you had so many friends and everybody loves you. The messages have been overwhelming to read.
"Our hearts are broken without you. A void will always be in our hearts, but her memory will live on. Rest in peace Nikki."
Meanwhile, the reverend Adrian Ward, the minister of the local evangelical church, said: "The truth is that none of us want to be here tonight.
"We would have preferred it if Nicola had not gone missing. We would all prefer it if she was with her family who loved her.
"We are here to pay tribute to Nicola and remember her family whose loss is the deepest."
He then led prayers asking for Nicola's partner Paul Ansell, her two daughters, her parents and her sister to receive "light in the darkness and hope in their sadness."
Flowers have also been left by a six foot high, black and white mural of Nicola, which was created by street artist Danny Bench, who was at school with her.
At least nine killed after New Year's Day stampede at shopping centre
He received approval for the painting from Louise before creating it.
Nicola went missing in St Michael's on Wyre, Lancashire, on January 27.
Police believe that she fell into the River Wyre while walking her dog, Willow, on a bankside path.
Her body was discovered in the reeds of the river by walkers on February 20 and formally identified two days later.
In a statement issued by Lancashire Police, the "devastated" family said that their "worst fears" had been confirmed and thanked their friends and local community for supporting them.
They said: "We will never forget Nikki. How could we? She was the centre of our world. She was the one who made our lives so special and nothing will cast a shadow over that.
"Our girls will get the support they need from the people that love us the most.
"To those that genuinely helped and supported us, privately, we thank you.
"The community support in St Michael’s, friends, neighbours and strangers, has been nothing short of comforting and heartwarming.
"Friends you know who you are, thank you."
In the statement, Nicola’s family criticised TV coverage of the search for the mum-of-two and hit out at harmful social media speculation.
They specifically mentioned two broadcasters who tried to contact them on February 20, after they had 'expressly asked for privacy'.
The case has attracted widespread interest since tragic Nicola's disappearance and amateur sleuths have flooded social media with wild theories during the three week hunt for the mum.
They finished with a touching tribute to their beloved relative, adding: "Finally, Nikki, you are no longer a missing person, you have been found, we can let you rest now.
"We love you, always have and always will. We will take it from here."
It comes after the inquest into Nicola's death heard that she was identified by her dental records.
Her remains are now set to be released and the family can begin to plan her funeral.
