Nicola Bulley search: Roads sealed off and divers searching River Wyre

Drones and specialist teams have been seen in St Michael's on Wyre

Author: Jonny FreemanPublished 19th Feb 2023

A number of roads have been sealed off in St Michael's on Wyre as search teams carry out fresh enquiries into the disappearance of Nicola Bulley.

Divers are also searching the River Wyre and a police helicopter is circling the area close to where the mum-of-two was last seen more than three weeks ago.

The village and surrounding areas have been the focus of an intensive search operation since he 45 year old disappeared at around 9.10am on Friday 27th January whilst walking her dog.

Lancashire Police believe Nicola fell into the river. They don't any third party was involved, but they've said they're keeping all lines of enquiry open.

The force has referred itself to the police watchdog over a visit made to Nicola's home seventeen days before she went missing.

Detectives have also faced questions from the Home Secretary about the revealing of personal information relating to problems Nicola suffered with alcohol and the menopause.

The Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said he had concerns about the publishing of that information.

The force has launched a review into the decisions made during the investigation.

This is a breaking story. More to follow.

The timeline of events leading up to Nicola Bulley's disappearance

A timeline of Nicola Bulley's last known movements has been released by Lancashire Police:
8.43am: Ms Bulley walked along the path by the River Wyre, having dropped her children off at school.

Around 8.50am: A dogwalker who knows Ms Bulley saw her walking around the lower field with her dog. Their two dogs interacted briefly before the witness left the field via the river path.

8.53am: Ms Bulley sent an email to her boss.
9.01am: She logged into a Teams call.
Around 9.10am: Somebody who knows Ms Bulley saw her on the upper field walking her dog, Willow. Lancashire Police say they are trying to establish exactly what time this was.

9.30am: The Teams call ended but Ms Bulley stayed logged on.
Around 9.35am: Her mobile phone and dog were found at a bench by the river by another dogwalker.

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