Police confirm body found in river is that of missing mum Nicola Bulley

Steve Hopkins

Police recovered a body about a mile from where Nicola went missing on Sunday

Lancashire Police has confirmed the body they recovered from the River Wyre on Sunday is that of missing mum-of-two, Nicola Bulley.

Assistant Chief Constable Peter Lawson confirmed the tragic news to reporters at a press conference on Monday evening.

He said her family have been informed, and they are devastated.

Lawson said police recognise the impact Bulley’s disappearance has had on the community.

“It is not the outcome anyone wanted”, he added, but at least it provides answers for Nicola’s loved ones.

https://twitter.com/SkyNews/status/1627723815806435339

In a statement read out to the media by police, Nicola’s family said their “worst fears had been confirmed” and that they would “never forget Nikki.”

Lancashire Police have confirmed that a body found in the River Wyre has been formally identified as missing mother-of-two Nicola Bulley.#5News pic.twitter.com/UARyTcpFua

— Channel 5 News (@5_News) February 20, 2023

Police on Sunday confirmed they had recovered a body around a mile from where the mortgage broker went missing, after being called to the River Wyre, near Rawcliffe Road, at 11:35 am that day.

It is understood that a man and a woman walking their dog near the river called the force to report seeing a person in the water.

Following the statement on Sunday from Lancashire Police about the discovery of a body in the river, Nicola’s partner Paul Ansell told Sky News: “No words right now, just agony.

“We’re all together, we have to be strong.”

The discovery on Sunday came after roads were closed off near the scene where she went missing.

Divers were examining the scene less than a mile from where the mortgage broker was last spotted.

Senior Investigating Officer Detective Superintendent Rebecca Smith was also at the riverside.

A man and a woman were earlier seen pointing to a spot in the River Wyre, while police drones and a helicopter could also be seen overhead.

A photographer at the scene said: “It all happened so fast. Police have sealed all the roads off. It’s fair to say a massive search is underway.”

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