Police seal off all roads close to where Nicola Bulley went missing

Police drones and a helicopter were hovering over the scene

A huge police search is underway near the river where Nicola Bulley went missing more than three weeks ago, following a tip-off from two walkers. The Mirror reports that police divers are examining the scene less than a mile from where the mum-of-two was last seen in St Michaels on Wyre, Lancashire, on January 27. Senior Investigating Officer Detective Superintendent Rebecca Smith has also arrived 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.

The force sealed off nearby roads after receiving a call at around 11.50am, it is understood.

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." https://twitter.com/SkyNews/status/1627310880160460802 Nicola was last seen walking her cocker spaniel along the River Wyre, Lancashire, at 9.10am on January 27, having earlier dropped her daughters, aged six and nine, at school. Lancashire Police's "main working hypothesis" is that she accidentally fell into the river, but no trace has been found of her. But at a press conference on Wednesday, detective superintendent Smith criticised the press and public for "misconstruing" her statement that her "main hypothesis" was that Nicola had fallen in the river. At the same press conference, Lancashire Police said social media sleuths and "TikTokers playing private detectives" near the scene were distracting search efforts. Detective Superintendent Rebecca Smith said investigating officers have been "inundated with false information, accusations and rumours" relating to the case. The force also chose to reveal that Nicola was deemed "high risk" due to "vulnerabilities" she had. Whilst they declined to give more information about this at the time out of respect for the privacy of the family, it was later revealed that she had alcohol issues as a result of struggles with the menopause. Lancashire Police has since been roundly criticised for the decision to reveal this private information, with many wondering what point this served in regards to the case and accusing the police of trying to shift the focus away from their lack of progress in the case. Related links:

• Dog walker who found Nicola Bulley’s phone speaks out for the first time
• Nicola Bulley's family reveal new info about her health and what may have 'caused this crisis'
• Nicola Bulley's family outraged as people 'threaten to sell stories about her'