Nicola Bulley: These were the scenes as the search for a missing mum who vanished three weeks ago continued in Hambleton

By Sean Gleaves

Published 17th Feb 2023, 16:25 BST

Updated 17th Feb 2023, 16:27 BST

Police search teams scoured the banks of the River Wyre in Hambleton as the search for a missing mum who vanished three weeks ago continued.

These were the scenes:

Nicola Bulley, from Inskip, was last seen on a towpath by the River Wyre off Garstang Road at around 9.15am on Friday (January 27).

1. Search continues for Nicola Bulley

Nicola Bulley, from Inskip, was last seen on a towpath by the River Wyre off Garstang Road at around 9.15am on Friday (January 27). Photo: National World

The mother-of-two's phone was later discovered on a bench still connected to a work call, with her springer spaniel also found running loose.

2. Search continues for Nicola Bulley

The mother-of-two's phone was later discovered on a bench still connected to a work call, with her springer spaniel also found running loose. Photo: National World

On Friday (February 17), exactly three weeks after her disappearance, officers continued their search for the 45-year-old on the banks of the River Wyre in Hambleton.

3. Search continues for Nicola Bulley

On Friday (February 17), exactly three weeks after her disappearance, officers continued their search for the 45-year-old on the banks of the River Wyre in Hambleton. Photo: Peter Byrne/ PA

Ms Bulley's family have called for an end to the "speculation and rumours" about her private life.

4. Search continues for Nicola Bulley

Ms Bulley's family have called for an end to the "speculation and rumours" about her private life. Photo: Peter Byrne/ PA

Their plea came after Lancashire Police was criticised for disclosing that the mother-of-two suffered “some significant issues with alcohol” in the past, which had resurfaced over recent months.

5. Search continues for Nicola Bulley

Their plea came after Lancashire Police was criticised for disclosing that the mother-of-two suffered “some significant issues with alcohol” in the past, which had resurfaced over recent months. Photo: National World

Nearly 40 detectives have sifted through hundreds of hours of CCTV, dashcam footage and tip-offs from the public, but detectives say there is "no evidence to indicate a criminal aspect or third-party involvement".

6. Search continues for Nicola Bulley

Nearly 40 detectives have sifted through hundreds of hours of CCTV, dashcam footage and tip-offs from the public, but detectives say there is "no evidence to indicate a criminal aspect or third-party involvement". Photo: Peter Byrne/ PA