Paul Ansell reveals moment he ‘panicked’ after being told how partner Nicola Bulley’s phone was found

PAUL Ansell has revealed how he 'panicked' after being told his missing partner Nicola Bulley's phone was found.

The mum's phone has been at the centre of the investigation since she vanished as it was found on a riverside bench logged into a work meeting.

Not far from Nicola's phone was her dog Willow - running around without a lead.

Paul has now told of how the device was found - and exactly what he was doing at the time.

The dad opened up to Channel 5's Dan Walker for an exclusive interview last night.

Friday also marked two weeks since Nicola vanished.

Paul recalled how on that horror day he noticed his partner wasn't home from her walk at the usual time - but he wasn't "particularly worried".

The dad-of-two said usually after Nicola drops their children off at school she walks their dog Willow and is home by about 9.45-10am.

She was still out at 10.15am on January 27 but Paul said he assumed she had got caught chatting to a pal.

It wasn't until the clock hit 10.30am he said he started to wonder where she was.

The dad recalled: "That's when I thought you know, she's quite, quite late now. More late than usual.

"I tried ringing her phone. And there was no answer. I tried ringing again on WhatsApp. And again, there was no answer. I tried the mobile again and no answer.

"Now I sort of started to get a bit panicky I think."

Paul said it was then he started to get ready to head down to the path "to see if she's alright".

It comes as...

• Nicola's partner Paul Ansell says he believes a local is responsible for her disappearance.
• Heartbroken Paul begs Nicola Bulley to "just come home" in an emotional message
• Cops confirm they are hunting the owner of a red van seen in the area where the mum vanished
• The morning Nicola vanished felt "different" to others, says Paul Ansell
• Nicola Bulley's children ask if "mummy is famous" as search continues into 14th day
• Nicola's partner Paul says that he expected to be a suspect in her disappearance

He recalled: "I was going to leave and then the phone rang. It was the school and it was the receptionist at school.

"She said 'Mr Ansell, it's a bit of a weird one. It's a bit of a weird one. But we found Willow and Nikki's phone on the bench, and the harness halfway down the embankment on the floor'."

He continued: "I'm about to leave thinking I'm going to
see her, you know pass her and find her. Then I get that call."

Paul said that was the moment "panic" set in.

In the interview, Paul also revealed how he expected to be a suspect in the case.

He said he believes a local is responsible for Nicola's disappearance, too.

The dad begged Nicola to "just come home".