Fresh witness appeal in missing Nicola case
Woman with pram may hold key
POLICE searching for missing mum-of-two Nicola Bulley yesterday appealed to a new “key” witness who they believe was in the area when she vanished.
They want to speak to the woman who was captured on CCTV pushing a pram near the River Wyre on Friday, January 27, when Nicola went missing.
The 45-year-old is thought to have taken her dog for a walk along the riverbank.
Lancashire Police said: “It is believed the female in question may have walked along the river path in this time.
“We urge her to get in touch.”
The appeal came as Nicola’s family and friends urged volunteers to keep searching, despite a police theory she fell into the river after dropping her daughters at school in St
Michael’s on Wyre, 10 miles from Preston. Her sister Louise Cunningham, 41, said online there was “no evidence whatsoever” of that.
She added: “Everyone must keep an open mind as not all CCTV and leads have been investigated fully. The police confirmed the case
is far from over.” Pal
Emma White added: “Until we get more evidence, they can’t say they think she may have fallen in. When we are talking about life, we need more than a theory.”
Yesterday, it emerged police were still trying routes to get data from Nicola’s Fitbit, which last synced on Tuesday.
Meanwhile police teams continued to scour the river banks as a helicopter searched from above. More than 100 volunteers had turned up in the village by 10am. Emma said: “Everybody has continued to rally around. It has made us more determined than ever to find Nicola.” On Friday, Supt Sally Riley said: “Our main working hypothesis is that Nicola has sadly fallen into the river and that this is not suspicious.”
She added an “issue” with her cocker spaniel Willow – who was later found – may have led her to the water’s edge. Supt Riley said: “She puts her phone down to go and deal with the dog momentarily, and Nicola may have fallen in. We assume the dog didn’t get into the river, but we don’t know why Nicola may have if she did.”
But Emma dismissed claims that mortgage adviser Nicola had fallen in while trying to get Willow’s ball.
She said: “Nicola had not taken the ball since before Christmas because it spoilt the walk.”
Nicola’s partner Paul Ansell, 44, said the family, from nearby Inskip, were living in “perpetual hell”.
He added: “It is as though she has vanished into thin air.”