Police have confirmed the body they recovered from the River Wyre is that of 45-year-old mum Nicola Bulley. Lancashire Police first said on Sunday (February 19) that they had recovered a body from the river and, in a press conference on Monday (February 20), the force has confirmed that the body has been identified as Nicola Bulley.
The case is now being handled by coroners. Nicola Bulley was last seen on January 27, with the mum-of-two being spotted at 9.10am walking her springer spaniel Willow alongside the River Wyre. Her phone, still connected to a work call, was found around 20 minutes later.
It was located on a bench overlooking the riverbank in the area where Willow was also found running loose. As efforts to find Nicola Bulley continued, Lancashire Police revealed on Wednesday (February 16) that she had "significant issues with alcohol" in the past.
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The disclosure came despite the force saying earlier that day that it would not elaborate on the "vulnerabilities" that made Nicola Bulley a "high risk person." The disclosure also prompted concern from Home Secretary Suella Braverman, who demanded an explanation from Lancashire Police.
Nicola's family released a statement following today's confirmation from Lancashire Police, which said: "Our Family Liaison officers have had to confirm our worst fears today. We will never be able to comprehend what Nikki had gone through in her last moments and that will never leave us.
"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. Our girls will get the support they need from the people who love them the most.
"And it saddens us to think that one day we will have to explain to them that the press and members of the public accused their dad of wrongdoing, misquoted and vilified friends and family. This is absolutely appalling, they have to be held accountable this cannot happen to another family."
The statement added: "To those who genuinely helped and supported us, privately, we thank you. The community support in St Michael's, friends', neighbours and strangers has been nothing short of comforting and heart-warming. Friends you know who you are. Thank you."
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