Missing Dog Walker Nicola Bulley Found Dead, What Happened To Nicola Bulley?
by Hemalatha R
Updated Feb 17, 2023
Missing Dog Walker Nicola Bulley Found Dead
The search for Nicola Bulley, a mother-of-two who disappeared while walking along the River Wyre in St Michael's, Lancashire on January 27, has taken an unexpected turn. Despite Lancashire Police designating Ms. Bulley as high-risk due to specific vulnerabilities identified by her partner, a diving expert has suggested that she may have simply "walked off somewhere." Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Detective Superintendent Rebecca Smith revealed that Ms. Bulley's partner had reported her missing and identified her as high-risk. This designation usually means that there is a heightened risk of harm or danger to the missing person. Despite this, diving expert Peter Faulding expressed skepticism about the theory that Ms. Bulley had fallen into the river, suggesting instead that she may have simply "walked off somewhere."
Mr. Faulding led the search for Ms. Bulley and his comments have raised questions about the investigation's direction. While police have focused on the theory that Ms. Bulley fell into the river, Mr. Faulding's suggestion that she may have left the area voluntarily raises the possibility of foul play. The search for Ms. Bulley has involved a significant number of volunteers, including local residents and members of the emergency services. The River Wyre has been extensively searched, and police have issued appeals for information and CCTV footage. Despite these efforts, no trace of Ms. Bulley has been found. The case remains open, and police are continuing to investigate the circumstances of Ms. Bulley's disappearance. With conflicting theories about what may have happened to her, the search for answers is likely to continue for some time.
What Happened To Nicola Bulley?
The search for Nicola Bulley, a 45-year-old mother-of-two who went missing in St Michael's on Wyre, Lancashire on January 27, continues. Lancashire Police are exploring three main theories behind her sudden disappearance, but so far, none have resulted in any significant leads. Bulley was last seen walking her dog near the River Wyre after dropping off her two daughters at school. Since then, an extensive search of the surrounding area, the river, and the nearby coast has failed to find any trace of her.
On Wednesday, police revealed that Bulley had "some significant issues with alcohol" in the past that had resurfaced over recent months. They also stated that she had been classed as a "high-risk" missing person due to vulnerabilities identified by her partner, Paul Ansell when he reported her disappearance. In response to those vulnerabilities, police and health professionals attended a report of concern for welfare at her home on January 10. No one was arrested, but police said the incident was still being investigated.
As the search for Bulley continues, Lancashire Police are exploring three main theories behind her disappearance. The first is that she fell into the River Wyre, which runs close to where she was last seen. The second theory is that she left the area voluntarily and is still alive. The third theory is that she was the victim of foul play. Despite extensive searches and appeals for information, the investigation has yet to yield any significant leads. However, police remain committed to finding answers and are urging anyone with information to come forward. The case remains open, and investigators are continuing to explore all possible avenues in the search for Nicola Bulley.
Previously, Lancashire Police stated their ongoing investigation involves exploring all potential leads and regularly reviewing their decisions. During a recent press conference, the police reaffirmed their "working hypothesis" that Bulley fell into the river and emphasized that no indications of criminal activity or third-party participation have surfaced. Nevertheless, Detective Supt Rebecca Smith, the senior investigating officer, conceded that the possibility of Bulley not falling into the water cannot be ruled out, and officers experienced in handling significant and intricate crimes are involved in the inquiry. Here are the three primary suppositions of the police regarding Bulley's vanishing.
Disapperance Of Nicola Bulley
A woman has gone missing after walking her dog along the River Wyre in Lancashire, England. The incident took place on 27 January 2023, when the woman, identified as Bulley, drove from her home to the village of St. Michael's on Wyre, and dropped her children off at school. After that, she went on a walk along the River Wyre with her dog. Bulley sent an email to her employer at 08:53, and then sent a text message to a friend at 08:57. She joined a Microsoft Teams call at 09:01, but kept her phone's camera and microphone disengaged. The last time she was seen was at approximately 09:10, walking with her dog off the lead on the upper field.
At 09:20, Bulley's phone was believed to be near a riverside bench in the lower field, but at 09:33, a passerby found her mobile phone still connected to the ended call on the bench. Willow, the woman's dog, was found alone near the bench and showed no signs of having been in the river. However, the dog's harness was found on the ground between the bench and the river. The Lancashire Police are investigating the case and have not ruled out any possibilities yet. The police have three theories behind the woman's disappearance. Although the police's "working hypothesis" is that Bulley fell into the river, they have found no evidence of any criminal or third-party involvement. However, senior investigating officer Detective Supt Rebecca Smith has admitted that the possibility of Bulley not falling into the water cannot be ruled out, and officers experienced in handling significant and intricate crimes are involved in the inquiry.
The police have appealed to the public for any information they may have about the incident. They have asked anyone who was in the area of St. Michael's on Wyre, between 08:40 and 09:33, to come forward. They have also asked anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage from the area to share it with them. The police have assured the public that they are investigating all possible leads and reviewing their decisions regularly.
Missing Dog Walker Nicola Bulley Found Dead - FAQs
The 45-year-old went missing on 27 January during a riverside dog walk in St Michael's on Wyre in Lancashire. Lancashire Police has faced a backlash for revealing she had ongoing struggles with alcohol and the menopause
Lancashire Police's decision to reveal Ms Bulley's mental health and alcohol issues has drawn widespread condemnation, with two MPs lambasting the move on Twitter.
Ms Bulley disappeared while walking her dog in the village of St Michael's on Wyre after she dropped her two daughters - aged six and nine - at school on 27 January.
Sadly, it is clear from speaking to Paul and the family that Nicola had in the past suffered with some significant issues with alcohol which were brought on by her ongoing struggles with the menopause, and that these struggles had resurfaced over recent months.
On Wednesday, Lancashire Police said 45-year-old Nicola Bulley had undergone “some significant issues with alcohol” along with “ongoing struggles with the menopause”. The police's release on social media was quickly criticised by a range of internet users including lawmakers, legal experts and privacy campaigners.