Monitoring Desk
ISLAMABAD/ LANCASHIRE: Lancashire police found an unidentified body in a river while searching for a woman who mysteriously went missing near Rawcliffe Road three weeks ago.
Police were searching for a woman, Nicola Bulley, the mother-of-two, who went missing three weeks ago during a riverside dog walk in St Michael’s on Wyre, Lancashire.
Lancashire police said on Sunday that they “sadly recovered a body” after being called to the River Wyre near Rawcliffe Road at 11:35 am, according to the BBC.
According to a statement issued by the police, formal identification of the body had not yet been completed, and they could not say if it was Nicola Bulley.
According to the statement, the death is currently being treated as “unexplained.”
Lancashire police stated that Nicola’s family had been informed about the development and that their thoughts were with them during this difficult time.
The police said: “We request that their privacy be respected.”
The development was described as “heartbreaking and distressing” by British Home Secretary Suella Braverman. She tweeted that her thoughts were with Nicola’s family during this difficult time.
Missing woman’s dog found near steep riverbank
Bulley, a mortgage adviser, was last seen walking Willow, her springer spaniel, after dropping off her two daughters, ages six and nine, at school on January 27.
Her dog was discovered soon after, along with her phone, which was still connected to a work conference call, on a bench near a steep riverbank. Police previously stated that they believed the 45-year-old had drowned and that her disappearance was not suspicious.
The body was discovered in the small village of St Michael’s on Wyre, about a mile from where she was last seen. The search drew much attention, with several people visiting and filming in the area.
As a result, police issued dispersal notices and warnings for anti-social behaviour.
Her family stated that the public focus had “distracted her from finding Nikki” due to various theories spreading on social media.
Lancashire Police faced a backlash after disclosing Bulley’s struggles with menopause and alcohol, which they said was “to avoid any further speculation.” Bulley’s family said they were aware that police were revealing details and that while they know Nikki would not have wanted it, people speculate and threaten to sell stories about her.
The prime minister, Commons leader, and home secretary expressed their concerns.
Lancashire police said that it would conduct an internal review of its investigation, led by Det Ch Supt Pauline Stables, its head of crime. John Edwards, the UK’s information commissioner, also stated, “given the high-profile nature of this case, we will be asking Lancashire Police to set out how they arrived at their decision to disclose this information.
