Found Deceased UK - Nicola Bulley Last Seen Walking Dog Near River - St Michaels on Wyre (Lancashire) #8

[GTB72]

Where exactly is the weir as it isn't too clear on Google maps?
Is it possible that the tidal flow has caused back-flow along a tributary or storm channel leading into the Wyre?

The weir is west of the bench where the phone was found.

 

[Beginnersleuth]

Blay brook is further east and upstream of Rowanwater Caravan Park.

Can’t find evidence of a tunnel tho?

 

[ginnyw]

Everyone posts positive things on social media. Why would someone post photos of a child who's weed themselves, filmed an argument, dropped a glass, had an upset stomach, telling kids off for scribbling on the walls etc etc?

Her FB account, to me, shows a lovely and happy family, who have lots of family time and enjoy outings, Halloween, birthdays, Christmas etc and holidays, interspersed with photos of Nicola and Paul, walking the dog and dressed up for events.

There's a huge emphasis on the children, they look like they had a lovely life, until this.

The posts do look very happy. For some reason they stopped after 7th December though - maybe a change to private settings because of that religious nutter posting his weird messages on her threads. JMO.

 

[GTB72]

Can’t find evidence of a tunnel tho?

Me neither. Was just providing indication of the location.

 

[cottonweaver]

Ex head of the met. Also known forthe search of Kevin Parle.

(Peter Bleksley is not a former head of the Met but that's by the by. UK viewers might know him from C4's Hunted TV show or his crime books etc Peter Bleksley is keynote speaker at True Crime Live 2020)


Struggling to understand the equivalence between an ongoing missing person case ( based on hypothesis of an accidental drowning) to a notorious police cover-up over police negligence( 1989 Hillsborough - Taylor Inquiry)


Re his Fitbit theory & his speculative theory that LP have deliberately withheld data from that Fitbit, the latest from the Super’s own mouth:


‘Reporter - Have you been able to obtain any information from Nicola's Fitbit device at all?

Superintendent - That remains ongoing, but nothing so far that has indicated any particular helpful piece of information. Thank you’ ( link for the quote is in transcript attached)


It’s almost as if he didn’t watch the last presser before commenting.
Maybe I'm just too old skool? ( I'd have watched it & checked I was up to date - before - going on national telly & implying that LE might be deliberately withholding info on the Fitbit due to LE being misguided in some way, or worse.)

Found Deceased - UK - Nicola Bulley Last Seen Walking Dog Near River - St Michaels on Wyre (Lancashire) #7

No. I should apologise here. I am new to this forum and I failed to add IMO after the statement. I have no knowledge about this whatsoever and my suggestion the dog harness may have been in the River was speculation. Sorry if it appeared to be factual. I did not intend this and will be more...

www.websleuths.com

 

[SleuthRob]

I think we need more of a definite answer as to whether NB could have been swept out to sea or not; provided she did in fact fall into the river close to where her mobile phone was found. And if at all possible, what are the chances of this actually happening.

One news report has Peter Faulding stating it's 'impossible, literally', where another has him stating NB 'could have been swept out to sea by now'.

 

[flysleuthD]

Can't seem to reply...still finding my feet with this glitchy page!



















Reply to kittythehare comment ...

















St Micheal's was hit by devastating floods in recent years. New flood defences and possible pipe networks.

 

[SanT88]

Try council minutes...

From last years ‘making space for water’ meeting it noted a few bits about St Michaels. Not much generally; noted flooding, the opening of a clough just near the bridge and a report of a sink hole (Note: I am not for one minute suggesting anything to do with NB and a sink hole before anyone leaps on that!) and that’s pretty much it. So I think from their history of flooding there’s a few things the village have tried to do but not lots, probably more down the river? Gives an idea of the landscape and environmental challenges that may give further context to the ‘complexity’ of the river. Screen shot attached. All IMO.

 

[San111]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1623267514464477187

Access Restricted

Police extend search for Nicola Bulley towards the sea

Heather Gibbons has joined Ms Bulley's family and friends in questioning Lancashire Police's theory that she may have fallen into the River Wyre while walking her dog on January 27.

www.dailymail.co.uk

I just put them all in the same post because I'm tired ..

It's very interesting to get PFs take on this, something I guess we wouldn't be getting if he was fulfilling his normal role and hadn't been brought in on this. Of course there's different cases where bodies haven't shown up for a long time but in this case he seems very certain of the fact A) a body wouldn't have moved far from the bench area on the first day and the police divers did a thorough job, B) if it had moved it wouldn't have gone over the weir or far past it where it's shallow and rocky C) She's not further down the river and wouldn't have made it further than the searches even if did go past the weir.

He's been saying this and that and IMO shouldn't be saying stuff like decoy in public domain at least but I think you have to give a lot of weight to his assessment of this situation

 

[GeorgeFormby]

I think we need more of a definite answer as to whether NB could have been swept out to sea or not; provided she did in fact fall into the river close to where her mobile phone was found. And if at all possible, what are the chances of this actually happening.

One news report has Peter Faulding stating it's 'impossible, literally', where another has him stating NB 'could have been swept out to sea by now'. View attachment 401153
View attachment 401152

I know there's been a warning about bashing PF, so I want to respect that. In all honesty, whatever he says needs to be taken with a big pinch of salt. He just loves talking to the press, and often contradicts himself. He should focus on using his sonar equipment, and nothing else.

 

[hiiw]

Been reading these threads and just wanted to offer an anecdote to those who don't believe Willow wouldn't have followed NB into the water...

I owned a springer spaniel who loved the water, she'd be in there at any chance she got (like most springers). Despite this, when myself and some friends were wild swimming out in the lake district, my springer was strangely reluctant to join us. Something about seeing us in the water freaked her out. Even calling her in with us, she was keen to get back onto dry land. Springers are very sensitive dogs, and for me it's not beyond the realm of possibility that Willow would have been confused/upset about seeing a person in the water when that is not something she usually experiences.

 

[alfredfrajesco]

What if NB fell into the river and was abducted? "How?" do I hear you say? Well, imagine the following….

1. NB somehow ended up in the river. She could have tripped or lost balance for whatever reason as has already been discussed multiple times on here.

2. NB climbed out of the river and was standing in shock wondering what to do when a 3rd party arrived on the scene, possibly after hearing a splash and or a scream.

3. The third party could have easily gone to NB with no ill intention, simply wanting to help, saying “here come with me, let’s get you somewhere warm and sort you out”

4. NB would have been in shock and likely not remembered or been bothered about her phone and would have likely welcomed the assistance, walking away from the bench without concern.

5. NB would have not been clear where she was going and could have simply thought to leave Willow in the field saying “Dont worry, I’ll be back in 5 minutes”. She also would have been so cold she may not have been thinking to clearly about her dog. She could also have tied the dog up but she broke free later.

6. NB could have been led to a nearby property for a change of clothes or similar. It could be at this point that the 3rd party made a play for NB that could have been rejected, or sensed an opportunity to take advantage of NB in this state.

7. NB could be held captive and then moved from the property at a later date, or is still there.

I feel this theory is as possible as any. Most say that a planned abduction would be unlikely as it’s not a particularly easy place to do it. However if someone came across NB in this vulnerable state a crime of opportunity could have occurred as I’ve outlined above, with plenty of slightly alternate versions also possible.

Just thought I’d post this as it makes a change from non stop bickering about whether the phone was on the bench or next to it.

All this is just my opinion, and I’m simply presenting an alternate theory that I don’t believe can be ruled out based on the evidence at hand.

 

[steelo]

You're a nice person, believe me lots of people would carry on merrily by

I'm a nice person, but not a dog owner. I would make a concerted effort to ignore a dog I did not know. I certainly wouldn't wait around until an owner appeared. My thought process is that a dog would know where its owner was and if the owner didn't have the dog in sight then would most-likely be looking for it and possibly calling it. If I waited with an unknown dog I may be preventing it from returning to its owner.

 

[flysleuthD]

Sorry but how on earth do members here post such great posts, I get 2 lines in and the page crashes or my text disappears... its a terribly glitchy page..tried to reply to so many posts here but it's not easy to navigate.. help? My last reply hopefully made its way to kittythehare re. Flood defence systems

 

[Firstsnow4]

This was posted by Lancs police 4 days ago on fb and this is the statement attached with her movements
We wanted to give you an update on the search for Nicola Bulley and to give you some more detail on what we have been doing to try and find her.

It’s now a week since the mum of two went missing and since last Friday we have been carrying out extensive searches in the area along with many other enquiries in the background.

This work has included
• Extensive and thorough searches of the river and footpaths by specialist police search teams and partner agencies including HM Coastguard, mountain rescue and Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service. Resources have included specialist search dogs, drone, police helicopter and divers. These searches are continuing.
• A team of detectives working behind the scenes analysing telephony, house to house, CCTV, dashcam and carrying out other digital enquiries and examining information coming into the inquiry
• Several public appeals for information and to trace witnesses. Key witnesses have all now been traced. We are grateful to the media for all their coverage and to the community for their help, information and support.

Based on all the work we have done so far, we are now as confident as we can be that Nicola has not left the field where she was last seen and our working hypothesis is that she has fallen into the river for some reason. There is no evidence whatsoever that there is anything suspicious about her disappearance or any third-party involvement in her going missing. Our investigation remains open and we will of course act on any new information which comes to light.

Nicola’s family are being supported by specially trained officers and we are keeping them fully updated.

Nicola, 45, was last seen on Friday morning (January 27th) at around 9.20am on the footpath by the river off Garstang Road.

Nicola is white, 5ft 3ins tall, with light brown shoulder-length hair. She speaks with an Essex accent. She was last seen wearing a long, ankle length black quilted gilet. She had a black Vector coat underneath which had long sleeves and came to her waist. She was wearing tight black jeans and had long green walking socks tucked into her jeans. She was wearing ankle length green wellington boots from Next.

Her hair was tied into a ponytail. She was wearing a necklace and pale blue fitbit.

Supt Sally Riley said: “It’s now a week since Nicola went missing and her disappearance has understandably caused a huge amount of concern and upset in the local community, as well as being an absolutely awful time for her family. As a mum I can’t begin to imagine the suffering they are going through. We are supporting them as best we can and keeping them updated on our efforts to try and find Nicola.

“We have done a huge amount of work both in terms of searches of the area as well as extensive enquiries which have been going on behind the scenes and based on that work we are as sure as we can be that Nicola has not left the area where she was last seen and that very sadly for some reason she has fallen into the water.

“There is absolutely nothing to suggest from all the extensive enquiries we have made that anything untoward has happened to her or that there is any third-party involvement in her disappearance.

“This remains a missing person enquiry and we will continue to carry out searches and to do everything we can to find Nicola and provide her family and the community with the answers they desperately need.

“Officers will be in and around the village and anyone with information or concerns should feel free to approach us.”

We can now confirm the following timings from the morning Nicola was last seen:
8.43am – Nicola walked along the path by the River Wyre, having dropped her children off at school
8:50am (approximately) - A dog-walker – somebody who knows Nicola – saw her walking around the lower field with her dog. Their two dogs interacted briefly before the witness left the field via the river path
8.53am – She sent an email to her boss
9.01am – She logged into a Teams call
9.10am (approximately) – A witness – somebody who knows Nicola – saw her on the upper field walking her dog, Willow. Work is ongoing today to establish exactly what time this was.
9.30am – The Teams call ended but Nicola stayed logged on
9.35am (approximately) – Nicola’s mobile phone and Willow were found at a bench by the river by another dog-walker.

Anybody who has seen Nicola, or has information about where she might be, is asked to call 101, quoting log 565 of January 30th. For immediate sightings please call 999.

This still annoys me that they are saying ‘Nicola, 45, was last seen on Friday morning (January 27th) at around 9.20am on the footpath by the river off Garstang Road.’ - why haven’t the police corrected this typo yet? She was last seen at 9.10am in the upper field too! It can’t be both! Grrrr

 

[wackyw]

Any large-diameter extraction pipes on this part of the river?

Historically, salt/brine ...... Bit further down river.
Sand and gravel maybe ?

Not sure how these are extracted .....

https://www2.bgs.ac.uk/mineralsuk/download/england/lancashireMap.pdf

 

[kittythehare]

It's very interesting to get PFs take on this, something I guess we wouldn't be getting if he was fulfilling his normal role and hadn't been brought in on this. Of course there's different cases where bodies haven't shown up for a long time but in this case he seems very certain of the fact A) a body wouldn't have moved far from the bench area on the first day and the police divers did a thorough job, B) if it had moved it wouldn't have gone over the weir or far past it where it's shallow and rocky C) She's not further down the river and wouldn't have made it further than the searches even if did go past the weir.

He's been saying this and that and IMO shouldn't be saying stuff like decoy in public domain at least but I think you have to give a lot of weight to his assessment of this situation

Personally I believe he should discuss his theories with police only.
The general public would be happy with a search description, this causes division.

 

[kittythehare]

This still annoys me that they are saying ‘Nicola, 45, was last seen on Friday morning (January 27th) at around 9.20am on the footpath by the river off Garstang Road.’ - why haven’t the police corrected this typo yet? She was last seen at 9.10am in the upper field too! It can’t be both! Grrrr

I intended to message them about that typo and I completely forgot..

 

[Tanzanite]

I've been pondering this since the presser yesterday. I've returned to my initial view. NB entered the water. The speed of the police reaction and the immediate, seemingly vehement belief that despite this being a lone female disappearance, this is a MP enquiry and that NB went into the water, is down to one of two areas of knowledge not in the public domain: family information about NB or someone reporting a glimpse/sound of something/someone in the water that cannot been verified, but was persuasive to LE. No idea why this wouldn't be in the public domain, btw.

PF is doing a great job, and I'm glad he's doing it, but I've felt myself getting sucked into the PR line of 'if PF can't find her, she's not there' reasoning. I've had a word with myself about that, and I'm back with the sad, sad reality that a body in the water might not be found.

All MOO.

 

[kittythehare]

Historically, salt/brine ...... Bit further down river.
Sand and gravel maybe ?

Not sure how these are extracted .....

https://www2.bgs.ac.uk/mineralsuk/download/england/lancashireMap.pdf

any around where they believe she entered the water?
Any reason for any to be there?
Even historic?