Specialist Police Divers Resume Search in Tragic Nicola Bulley Case
Police divers have returned to the water where Nicola Bulley, 45, was last seen, as coroners demand a fresh search to piece together the troubling mystery behind the mother-of-two’s death.
Phone Left on Bench During Work Call Triggers Hunt
Nicola went missing on January 27 after her phone was found abandoned on a bench mid-work conference call, sparking a massive search operation. Police, firefighters, mountain rescue teams, underwater units, and locals all joined forces in a desperate bid to find her.
Three weeks later, on February 20, Nicola’s body was discovered in the river less than a mile from where she vanished.
Forensic Experts Demand Answers – Item Still Missing
Dr Richard Shepherd, famed forensic pathologist from high-profile cases like Stephen Lawrence and Harold Shipman, believes a crucial item connected to Nicola’s death remains unaccounted for. “There’s something missing the police are still looking for,” Dr Shepherd said.
Nicola’s body underwent a full post-mortem examining natural causes, injuries, and tests for alcohol and drugs. Lancashire Police confirmed coroners requested another river search to “complete a picture” of how Nicola died – ensuring nothing is left to chance before the inquest.
Inquest Looms Amid Ongoing Investigation
The official inquest into Nicola’s death is set for Monday, June 26 at Preston County Hall. Nicola had been classified as a “high-risk” missing person due to specific vulnerabilities.
Her beloved springer spaniel, Willow, was found safe, but no trace of Nicola remained until the grim discovery.
Dr Shepherd cast doubt on the chances of reconstructing events in the river, saying, “Rivers are so variable. Even with mannequins or models, you couldn’t realistically repeat what happened that day.”
Officers combed through wooded areas, ditches, waterways, and the grounds of an abandoned house. Diver expert Peter Faulding invested £50,000 in sonar tech but later concluded Nicola wasn’t in the river, suggesting she could have stood up if she’d fallen in.
HM Senior Coroner Dr James Adeley is overseeing the inquiry and has urged Lancashire Constabulary to collate all search information to help provide the family with answers. A spokesman said: “The investigation will take time to ensure as complete a picture of the facts concerning Ms Bulley’s death is presented at the inquest.”
