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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
World
Alahna Kindred & Justin Kelly

Police divers return to river where Nicola Bulley's body was found in search for clues on cause of death

Police divers have returned to the river in the UK where Nicola Bulley's body was discovered in a bid to find clues confirming the mum-of-two's cause of death.

Nicola Bulley had been missing for more than three weeks after vanishing while walking her dog in rural Lancashire before her body was found in the water on the River Wyre on February 19.

The specialist divers have been reported in an area less than a mile from where the mortgage adviser was seen in St Michael's on the Wyre, Lancashire in late January.

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The coroner confirmed in a statement they requested help from Lancashire Police to help produce information on the death of Nicola.

She vanished while walking her dog by the river on January 27, sparking a massive search for her.

Nicola was deemed a "high-risk" missing person due to a "number of specific vulnerabilities".

Her body was tragically found on February 19.

Nicola Bulley vanished during a dog walk, her remains were found 23 days later (Lancashire Police / SWNS)

The case captured the nation as her phone was found on a bench near the water's edge and had been connected to a work call. Her dog Willow was also found nearby.

An inquest into her death is to be heard on Monday, June 26 at County Hall in Preston.

The search saw police, firefighters, mountain rescue, underwater teams and the local community comb through a massive area from the river to the coastline.

A specialist search was also launched by Peter Faulding, who used sonar equipment to scour the water - but his efforts led him to be removed from the NCA expert list.

The case also sparked a lot of harmful speculation online as armchair detectives flocked to the area.

For her funeral last month, a no-fly zone was put in place over the church to stop sick internet sleuths from filming it.

Divers searching along the River Wyre (Youtube / Maria Solarz)

A spokesman for HM Coroner told Lancashire Post: “The investigation will take time to complete to ensure that as complete a picture as possible of the facts concerning Ms Bulley's death is presented at the inquest.

"This will assist the family in understanding what occurred.

"As part of this process, HM Senior Coroner has requested Lancashire Constabulary produce information gathered during the search for Ms Bulley so it can be considered as part of the investigation.”

A police spokesperson added:“We can confirm this is us carrying out some work at the direction of HM Coroner."

A statement from her family in February read: "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."

This image shows divers in the river recently as cops confirm they are searching the area (Youtube / Maria Solarz)

It 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.

"Our hearts truly break for others who have missing loved ones. Keep that hope alive.

"Finally, Nikki, you are no longer a missing person, you have been found, we can let you rest now.

"We love you, always have and always will, we'll take it from here xx."

The Mirror contacted the coroner in Lancashire and Lancashire Police for a comment.

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