The remains of Nicola Bulley were recovered weeks after her disappearance in northern England in January 2023. According to Lancashire Police, the body was found in the River Wyre on Sunday.
Nicola Bulley was reportedly walking her dog when she went missing on January 27. Police initially believed that the 45-year-old fell into the river and did not find signs of any foul play then.
A witness said that Bulley was last seen at around 9.10 am walking her dog, who was later found running loose around Garstang Road.
Police revealed that Nicola Bulley was reportedly struggling with alcohol issues and menopause by the time she went missing. Lately, investigators working on the case have criticized the public for spreading “persistent myths.”
Police was initially was convinced that no foul play was involved in Nicola Bulley’s disappearance
Nicola Bulley disappeared while she was walking her dog on January 27, in the morning. The dog was later found running loose, and has been confirmed by a witness. Police initially claimed to have not found any signs of foul play in her disappearance, and mentioned that she might have fallen into the river.
Jason Rothwell, a man who claimed to have discovered her body using his “gifts” as a “medium” to locate missing Nicola took to Facebook to confirm that it was his image that was getting circulated in the media.
He wrote:
“I decided to use whatever gift it is we mediums possess to try and locate Nicola Bulley.”
After a thorough investigation, cops discovered the missing mum’s body in the river Wyre. Amidst several speculations and false accusations, Lancashire Police read at a press conference saying that they “must be held accountable” for false accusations, misquotations and “vilifying” Nicola Bulley’s friends and relatives.
Nicola’s family further stated:
“It is shameful that they have acted in this way. Leave us alone now. Do the press and other media channels, and so-called professionals not know when to stop? These are our lives and our children’s lives.”
The police further addressed the issue where the general public have begun “playing private detectives” on social media platforms like TikTok. According to cops, such actions have deeply impacted the real course of investigation.
Police’s decision of revealing Nicola’s personal details has been widely frowned upon
According to Stephanie Benyon, Nicola’s friend described her as:
“A kind, loyal and thoughtful person who adores her two girls and family and friends.”
Her partner, Paul Ansell, described the entire situation as “a perpetual hell” in a statement released by the heartbroken family. He said:
“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.”
It came as a surprise when Lancashire Police revealed that Bulley was suffering from issues related to menopause and alcoholism. Many have also accused the police department of sexism, and the department has been slammed by the government. Home Secretary Suella Braverman raised concerns regarding the technique the case was being handled.