Nicola Bulley latest — Former police officer says search teams ‘faced poor visibility and challenging conditions’
SEARCH teams in the Nicola Bulley investigation did the best job they could in challenging conditions and will be "gutted" she was not found sooner, a former police officer has said.
Former cop Graham Wettone said that conditions in the River Wyre would have been challenging and 's body would have moved during the time she was in the water.
He said he has spoken to underwater search experts who were supportive of what police and fire and rescue teams in did.
The veteran former Metropolitan Police officer, who was in the force for 30 years, said: "That was a really difficult search.
"Really challenging conditions, you wouldn't have been able to see much when you were underwater with the air tanks on, you'd have been almost doing it by touch, by feel. So it's a really challenging searching environment. And it's tidal, so it goes backwards and forwards. There'll be channels and crevices and gaps in the riverbank as you go along where things can get lodged."
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What was Nicola’s cause of death?
Cops confirmed last night that the mum-of-two’s death had been referred to the coroner.
This could mean police and her loved ones face weeks waiting for answers around how she died.
There is also the possibility an inquest into her death will follow, which could extend the process even further.
The says an inquest is an investigation into a death which appears to be due to “unknown, violent or unnatural causes”.
Nicola Bulley case had a ‘huge impact’ on St Michael’s residents, police claim
Police have said the town Nicola Bulley lived in has been deeply impacted by the intense search that took place for the mum-of-two.
St Michael’s residents played a crucial role in spreading the word of Nicola’s disappearance.
But locals were also impacted by the public attempting to gain access to the town throughout the investigation.
Family’s final message to missing mum
In a statement read by police, the family of Nicola Bulley said: ” 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’ll take it from here xx”
Police chiefs turned down search help from experts at the height of their 23-day hunt
Police chiefs leading the search for Nicola Bulley turned down vital help at the height of their 23-day hunt.
Other forces as well as search and rescue organisations offered to send resources and manpower to assist Lancashire Police in finding the mum-of-two.
But in an extraordinary rebuff, the force said the “relevant areas” had already been cleared and did not need to be redone.
A search and rescue source said of the police’s decision: “It’s inexcusable. To say they have covered off areas when a missing person is still missing is just bizarre.
“You go back and recast those areas. It’s completely strange to decline free resources.
“There could have been hundreds of trained people helping.
“Search people should have found her body — and it should have been dignified.”
Family ‘face weeks’ waiting for answers
Nicola's heartbroken family could face weeks of waiting for answers around the mum's death.
As Nicola's death has been referred to the coroner, her loved ones could be waiting weeks for any answers.
There is also the possibility an inquest will follow, which could extend the process even further.
According to the , a post mortem is usually carried out within two-three days after someone dies.
However, some further examinations may be needed - which can "take several weeks to complete".
Full statement by police as Nicola Bulley’s death is confirmed
Police said: “Sadly, we are now able to confirm that yesterday we recovered Nicola Bulley from the River Wyre.
“Nicola’s family have been informed and are of course devastated.
“Our thoughts are with them at this time as well as with all her loved ones and the wider community.
“We recognise the huge impact that Nicola’s disappearance has had on her family and friends, but also on the people of St Michael’s.
“We would like to thank all of those who have helped during what has been a hugely complex and highly emotional investigation.
“Today’s development is not the outcome any of us would have wanted, but we hope that it can at least start to provide some answers for Nicola’s loved ones, who remain foremost in our thoughts.
“The case is now being handled by HM Coroner.”
Family remembers ‘centre of world’ Nicola Bulley
In a statement released yesterday, Nicola Bulley’s family said they will “never forget” Nicola Bulley who was the “centre of their world.”
They said: “We will never be able to comprehend what Nikki had gone through in her last moments and that will never leave us.
“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.”
Who claims to have found Nicola Bulley's body?
Jason Rothwell is a psychic medium from Oldham, Greater Manchester.
He claims to have helped police recover the remains from the river Wyre less than a mile away from where the missing mum was last seen.
Rothwell was pictured on February 19, 2023, pointing towards the reeds where he made the discovery.
The psychic said: "As has obviously become apparent, yes it is myself in the images in the media currently circulating relating to the case of Nicola Bulley and yes, yesterday morning it was myself and a friend who reported and assisted the police in the recovery of a body from the river Wyre."
Nicola's sister shares poignant tribute
Nicola's sister Louise Cunningham uploaded a simple tribute.
It was merely a yellow heart - which has become a symbol of Nicola on social media.
Louise's poignant post came after Nicola's pal Emma White typed a heartwrenching message.
She said that after after "24 days of hope and efforts to bring Nikki home" they were given the news that nobody wanted.
Keir Starmer pays tribute to Nicola Bulley
Labour leader Keir Starmer has paid tribute to Nicola Bulley and her family.
This comes after police confirmed the mother-of-two had died.
“My heart goes out to Nicola’s partner, children, family and friends,” he said.
TikTok full statement after social media slammed
A spokesperson for said: "Our thoughts are with Ms Bulley's family and friends at this difficult time. We have mobilised resources to monitor the evolving conversation about this case.
"We are taking action against violations of our Community Guidelines, including removing content and accounts, and limiting the reach of some content by making it ineligible for recommendation."
It comes after Nicola's family reacted to the tragic news of her death in a statement released via cops.
Cops face growing fury
The desperate hunt ended in tragedy as police confirmed a body - found by dog walkers on Sunday afternoon - was that of Nicola.
Now, pressure is mounting for an independent inquiry into Lancashire Police's handling of Nicola's disappearance.
Former DCI Martyn Underhill said the police have serious questions to answer about its media strategy and search of the river.
He : "These are crucial issues that go to public confidence. I may well be totally wrong and Lancashire might be completely vindicated.
"But I have never known a force to be so reluctant to seek external help — the Met and other forces all offered. The home secretary must get to the bottom of it."
Where was Nicola Bulley’s body found?
A map has revealed the location where police found Nicola Bulley’s body.
The remains were spotted yesterday morning by dog walkers who frantically phoned police – sparking a massive response.
Cops confirmed in the afternoon that a body had been found in the River Wyre, Lancashire.
And yesterday, police confirmed the body belonged to Nicola Bulley.
Latest as police confirm Nicola Bulley’s death
- Police confirmed that Nicola’s body had been found in the River Wyre
- Nicola’s family said that they’ll never be able to “forget” the tragedy
- A ‘psychic’ claimed that he found the body during the search
- The Home Secretary was reported to be “not satisfied” over cop’s explanation of why they released information on Nicola’s “vulnerabilities”
- Dive expert Peter Faulding said “I did my best” in the search for the mum-of-two
- An ex-cop said that the body may have been “weighed down” before it was found
When was Nicola last seen before her passing?
Nicola was last seen on January 27 after dropping her two girls off at school.
The mortgage advisor took her dog Willow for a walk along the river – which had been extensively searched.
Throughout the search, police maintained their main theory had always been that Nicola had gone into the water.
Yesterday, it was confirmed Nicola's body was found in the reeds a mile from where she vanished.
Nicola Bulley's friend pays tribute to mother-of-two
Nicola's pal Emma White typed a heartwrenching message on Facebook following confirmation the mother-of-two had died.
The friend typed: "Team Nikki came together on the 27th of January in the efforts to raise awareness of the missing Nicola Bulley.
"24 days of hope and efforts to bring Nikki home we sadly were brought the news that none of us wanted, Nikki had been found sadly in the river.
"Our hearts are broken, we continue to support the family.
"We take a moment to thank every single one of you for the support, messages and for making this group special in keeping things real.
"We will continue to spread the love for Nikki."
Nicola’s sister shares poignant tribute
This morning Nicola’s sister Louise Cunningham uploaded a simple tribute.
It was merely a yellow heart – which has become a symbol of Nicola on social media.
How long did the search for Nicola Bulley last?
Nicola Bulley was first reported missing on Friday, January 27.
Over the next three weeks, a national search would take place for the missing mother-of-two.
23 days later, a body was discovered just a mile from where Nicola vanished.
And yesterday, the body was confirmed to belong to the missing Nicola.
What is a high risk missing person?
If someone is named as a “high risk” missing person it means that the police believe there is a real and immediate threat to the safety of either them or to the public.
The level of risk is assessed based on the person’s “vulnerabilities” and the circumstances of their disappearance.
For example, elderly people or children might attract a higher risk rating as they are more vulnerable.
Circumstances that would provoke a higher category include a suspicion of murder or the person having financial, employment or relationship problems.
PM refuses to comment on Lancashire Police review
Rishi Sunak has refused to comment on the internal review of the Lancashire Police’s search for Nicola Bulley.
A Downing Street spokesperson said: “You have heard the concerns of the Prime Minister before.
“He welcomed the fact there was an internal investigation, I think the first step is to allow that to take place and see what the findings are, so I am not going to comment before that.
“We think it is appropriate that this investigation is taking place. We will wait and see what the findings of that are before commenting further on the investigation, given it is a live case.”
Peter Faulding 'won't be the fall guy' for Nicola search
Peter Faulding, a diving expert who aided in the search for Nicola Bulley, has defended his role in the hunt.
The diving pro has said he and his team "won't be the fall guys" after Nicola's body was found in reeds near the water they searched.
Mr Faulding told The Sun: "They were going up and down the river for three weeks and they found no trace of Nicola. Not only that, the police had officers walk along the riverbank every day and still they didn't find her.
"She could have been there all along. We definitely wouldn't have found her because we were only tasked with searching the water, not the reeds. I'm not going to be the fall guy for this.
"My intentions were good from day one. I did it for nothing and I didn't need the publicity. I don't want to beat the cops up, but there were a lot of search officers involved.
"It's unfair for me to be the fall guy. I'm one man, the police are a massive organisation with huge resources."
Who is Jason Rothwell?
Jason Rothwell is a psychic medium from Oldham, Greater Manchester.
He claims to have helped police recover the remains from the River Wyre less than a mile away from where the missing mum was last seen.
Rothwell was pictured on February 19, 2023, pointing towards the reeds where he made the discovery.
He explained his reasons for being at the scene on TikTok.
The psychic said: "As has obviously become apparent, yes it is myself in the images in the media currently circulating relating to the case of Nicola Bulley and yes, yesterday morning it was myself and a friend who reported and assisted the police in the recovery of a body from the river Wyre.
"Such as it is it would be inappropriate of me to discuss in any further detail anything we may know about that body at this time, considering a formal identification of that body has yet to be confirmed."
People taking selfies near Nicola Bulley site 'seeking validation'
Members of the public who have been seen taking selfies near the site Nicola Bulley vanished were "seeking validation," an expert has claimed.
Areeq Chowdhury, head of policy, data and digital technologies at the Royal Society said: "So the selfie example you gave, might be personal validation that they want from being seen at a certain site or it could be a disinformation merchant trying to make money from clicks.”
This comes as police confirm the body found on Sunday belonged to mother-of-two Nicola.
Nicola’s daughters will ‘get the support they need’
In a statement via Lancashire Police, the family said that their “worst fears” had been confirmed and thanked their friends and local community in St Michael’s on Wyre, Lancashire, for supporting them.
They said: “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.”