Disappearance of Nicola Bulley: The police find a potential key witness

Detectives searching for missing mother Nicola Bulley have unearthed a “potentially important witness”.

The 45-year-old mother of two went missing last Friday morning – with her mobile phone, which was found on a bench near where she was last seen walking a towpath by the River Wyre in St Michael’s on Wyre, Lancashire would.

Immediately before she went missing, Ms Bulley was walking her dog, Springer Spaniel Willow, who was found loose between the river and the bank.

On Tuesday, Lancashire Police said they were keen to find a man believed to have been in the area at the time Ms Bulley was last seen.

In an update this afternoon, the force said: “Earlier this morning we asked for help locating a man who was seen in the area when Nicola Bulley, 45, went missing.

“He has since been located and is currently being spoken to. Our thanks go to those who shared our appeal.”

Earlier, police said the man, who was walking a small white fluffy dog ​​on a leash, spoke to a woman in the area, who found Ms Bulley’s dog before heading towards Rowanwater.

Police said they were “open” to what happened but did not believe Ms Bulley was assaulted.

In a statement, her family said: “We have been overwhelmed by the support from our community and would like to thank everyone for their continued efforts in helping us find Nicola.

“The girls are desperate for their mum to be safe at home with them and your ongoing efforts have brought them comfort as we await news of Nicola.

“We are asking anyone who thinks they have information that could help police locate Nicola to come forward and help them with their investigation.”

A search of the area involving police specialists, the Coast Guard and Bowland Mountain Rescue is ongoing.

Ms. Bulley is described as white, 5ft 3in, with light brown hair that is shoulder length.

At the time of her disappearance, she was wearing a long black hooded vest, black jeans and olive green rubber ankle boots.

Superintendent Sally Riley said: “We remain extremely concerned for Nicola and are continuing to do everything we can to locate her and provide some answers to her family, who are clearly beside themselves with concern.

“I must stress at this time that this remains a missing persons inquiry and at this time there is nothing to indicate that a third party was involved in Nicolas’ disappearance.

“We are aware that there is also a lot of concern in the local community and we appreciate that people want to help. However, parts of the river bank are treacherous and we ask that no one puts themselves in danger and that efforts by the police and partner organizations to locate Nicola are not compromised.

“If anyone has any questions or concerns, they are welcome to speak to officials in the area.”

Anyone who has seen Ms. Bulley or has information as to where she may be is asked to call 101, quoting log 565 from January 30, or to call 999 if they have an immediate sighting.

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