Police Divers Back in River Wyre in Nicola Bulley Death Probe
Police divers returned to Lancashire’s River Wyre today, plunging again into the waters where Nicola Bulley’s body was found. The 45-year-old mother of two vanished near St Michael’s on Wyre on January 27, sparking a frantic 23-day search.
Coroner Demands More Answers
Dr James Adeley, Senior Coroner for Lancashire, has ordered Lancashire Police to dive back in as part of the investigation ahead of Nicola’s inquest. The cause of death remains unknown, and the coroner is pushing for fresh evidence to clarify what happened before her body was discovered in reeds on February 19.
“The coroner clearly wants more answers and potential evidence,” a senior police source revealed. “This shows how seriously the investigation is being taken.”
HM Coroner’s office confirmed the investigation aims to present a complete picture at the inquest scheduled for June 26 at Preston County Hall. Police are compiling all information gathered during the extensive search, including fresh underwater footage from the dive teams working near the weir.
What Happened on the Day Nicola Disappeared?
- Nicola’s partner, Paul Ansell, raised the alarm after a local spotted their spaniel Willow running loose near a bench by the river.
- Nicola’s phone, abandoned on that bench, was a key clue in the initial search.
- Divers were tracked wading through various depths around the weir, with one even floating on his back in the water.
- Her body was found about a mile downstream from this spot by a man and woman out for a walk who alerted police immediately.
Police swiftly imposed a huge cordon, involving drone and helicopter support, as the investigation dominated St Michael’s on Wyre.
Controversy Surrounds Police Handling
Lancashire Constabulary is under intense scrutiny for how they managed the case. Officers faced criticism for publicly revealing Nicola’s private struggles with alcohol and perimenopause mid-search, sparking outrage.
The force has also come under fire for the 23-day delay in finding Nicola’s body and their response to amateur sleuths filming themselves searching local gardens.
An Independent Office for Police Conduct probe into police welfare checks carried out shortly before Nicola disappeared is ongoing. Meanwhile, the Information Commissioner’s Office is examining how Nicola’s data was leaked at an official press conference.
A psychic, Jason Rothwell, ultimately located Nicola’s body, which was identified through dental records. The inquest, paused after a brief hearing in February, will resume this summer.
A Lancashire Police spokesman said today, “We can confirm that this is us doing some work under the direction of HM Coroner.” The force stresses the investigation is far from over as families await the full truth.
