Sophie Burns: Tributes paid after body found

A picture of Sophie Burns on the fells with a smile and wearing a black Adidas cap and a black coat with blue lining — Sophie Burns

Tributes have been paid to missing Carlisle woman Sophie Burns after a body was found in Burgh by Sands.

Police confirmed today (February 22) that the body of a woman was found in the area of Burgh by Sands at around 3pm yesterday (February 21).

There are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding her death.

The body has yet to be formally identified, but Sophie’s partner Lucy Cottier posted the following on her Facebook page: “Soafi, I can’t believe I am writing this. You were loved by so many people. I wish you could have seen all the love and support since you went missing.

“I wish I could just talk to you one last time and I wish I could have done more to help you. I know you are at peace now from all of your demons. Rest easy Soaf, until we meet again. The brightest star in the sky.”

Meanwhile, Lilly Van Verdriet, one of those involved in the search for Sophie, posted in the “Help to bring Sophie Burns home safe” Facebook group to thank the public for their support.

“After all this time – at least she is found,” she posted.

“Thank you for everyone who helped searching – Sophie was a wonderful person and we saw how much she brought people together after she went missing. We will never forget her.”