Nicola Bulley – latest: Family prepares for funeral as coroner confirms missing mother’s body to be released

More than £20,000 has been donated by members of the public to help Nicola Bulley’s family cover the cost of her funeral, as a coroner confirmed that the mother-of-two’s body will soon be released.

Bulley’s body was found in the River Wyre on Sunday, some three weeks after she went missing while walking her dog.

Friends and family launched a GoFundMe campaign to help with funeral planning for the 45-year-old and provide financial support for her partner Paul Ansell and their two young daughters.

An inquest heard on Wednesday that Bulley was identified by dental records. The coroner also confirmed her body can be released for a family funeral to take place.

Meanwhile, the policing watchdog has launched an investigation into a welfare check on Bulley carried out just 17 days before she disappeared.

An IOPC spokesperson said: “Following a referral by Lancashire Constabulary on Thursday (16 February) we have started an independent investigation regarding contact the force had with Nicola Bulley on 10 January 2023.

“We were notified by the force that an officer attended the family home on that date as part of a welfare check.”

Key Points

• Over £20,000 raised to support family of Nicola Bulley with funeral costs

• Inquest opened into Nicola Bulley’s death

• Three reasons why it may have taken so long to find Nicola Bulley’s body

Police handling of Nicola Bulley case to be under independent review

04:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Lancashire Police’s handling of the Nicola Bulley case is to be examined under a full independent review.

The county’s police and crime commissioner announced the College of Policing will carry out the investigation.

Police commissioner Andrew Snowden said the public feel “there remain questions about the handling of elements of the police investigation.”

It comes after the police watchdog launched an investigation into a welfare check conducted by a Lancashire Constabulary officer at Bulley’s family home days before she went missing.

Police handling of Nicola Bulley case to be under full independent review

Reasons why it may have taken so long to find Bulley’s body

04:00 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Missing mother Nicola Bulley was finally found on Sunday, around a mile away from where she was last seen on the river in St Michael’s on Wyre in Lancashire.

Experts have said there are a number of reasons why Bulley might not have been found sooner.

“Although the area where she was found is just within the tidal section, I doubt she moved up and down the river very far,” a professor who studies rivers told The Telegraph.

The professor, who did not want to be named, said he believed Bulley was most likely in the same spot throughout the search operation.

Matt Mathers has more.

Three reasons why it may have taken so long to find Nicola Bulley’s body

Public raise £26,000 for Nicola Bulley’s family

03:24 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Members of the public have raised £26,000 for the family of Nicola Bulley after a body found in the River Wyre on Sunday was confirmed to be the mother of two.

The friends and family of Bulley launched the GoFund Me campaign to donate to funeral planning for the 45-year-old and provide financial support for her partner Paul Ansell and their two young daughters.

“As you can imagine, this is a situation that no one wishes to find themselves in, and we want to help the family through this awful time,” the organisers wrote.

Crowd gathers for vigil in Essex

Thursday 23 February 2023 20:04 , Jane Dalton

A huge crowd held a candlelit vigil in Nicola Bulley’s home town in Essex to remember her.

So many people wanted to leave flowers and tributes that they had to queue to lay them, according to local reporter Ellis Whitehouse.

Street mural painted in home town

Thursday 23 February 2023 19:40 , Jane Dalton

A street artist has created a mural to Nicola Bulley in the town where she grew up, South Woodham Ferrers in Essex.

Danny Bench, who has completed the mural, went to William de Ferrers School with Ms Bulley, and was friends with her sister, Louise Cunningham, who approved the work before he started.

He told The Mirror he took two days off work to do it.

The investigations launched

Thursday 23 February 2023 19:15 , Jane Dalton

As well as the inquest, four official investigations have been launched. This is what they all are:

Nicola Bulley: What investigations have been launched and why?

Social media algorithms fuelled online interest in case

Thursday 23 February 2023 18:50 , Jane Dalton

In case you missed it:

Social media algorithms that reward and encourage controversial content fuelled the waves of online interest in the case, experts have claimed.

Social media algorithms fuelled online interest in Nicola Bulley case – experts

Amazon books ‘nothing short of disgusting'

Thursday 23 February 2023 18:02 , Jane Dalton

Publication on Amazon of books about Nicola Bulley has prompted anger and accusations of profiteering.

Three books were briefly advertised on the site, before being taken down.

Leader of Wyre Council, Cllr Michael Vincent, branded them “nothing short of disgusting”, saying whoever wrote them was “capitalising on her death”, the Lancashire Telegraph reported.

Others branded the books “shameful and beyond disrespectful”.

Thursday 23 February 2023 17:15 , Jane Dalton

In case you missed it:

Media watchdog Ofcom has asked ITV and Sky to “explain their actions” in Nicola Bulley reporting:

Media watchdog Ofcom asks ITV and Sky to ‘explain actions’ in Nicola Bulley reporting

Thursday 23 February 2023 16:30 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

In case you missed it...

The family of Nicola Bulley have said they can let the mother of two “rest now”, as questions linger over why it took more than three weeks for her body to be discovered.

Ms Bulley’s body was pulled from the River Wyre in Lancashire on Sunday after the 45-year-old was last seen on January 27.

She had been walking her dog in St Michael’s on Wyre after dropping her daughters, aged six and nine, at school.

Lancashire Police called a press conference on Monday, where the force did not address the widespread criticism it had received for releasing some aspects of Ms Bulley’s private life into the public domain.

Police also did not disclose why it took 23 days to find her body in the river.

Nicola Bulley’s family say she can finally ‘rest’, as questions remain over case

Man who says he found Nicola Bulley’s body claims ‘psychic gift’ led to discovery

Thursday 23 February 2023 15:52 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

In case you missed it...

A man who says he discovered Nicola Bulley claims he used his “gifts” as a “medium” to lead him to the missing mother’s body.

Police confirmed on Monday that a body found in the river near in St Michael’ on Wyre, Lancashire was that of Ms Bulley.

Jason Rothwell, who describes himself as a spiritual medium, wrote on social media that “yes, it is myself in the images in the media currently circulating”.

Three reasons why it may have taken so long to find Nicola Bulley’s body

Three reasons why it may have taken so long to find Nicola Bulley’s body

Thursday 23 February 2023 15:21 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Missing mother Nicola Bulley was finally found on Sunday, around a mile away from where she was last seen on the river in St Michael’s on Wyre in Lancashire.

Ms Bulley had disappeared on 27 January while walking her dog after dropping her children off at school earlier that morning.

Police said two walkers, who used a path well trodden by officers, found her and the body was formally identified the following day.

Experts have said there are a number of reasons why Ms Bulley might not have been found sooner.

Three reasons why it may have taken so long to find Nicola Bulley’s body

Nicola Bulley’s former secondary school expresses “deepest sympathies” to family and friends

Thursday 23 February 2023 14:30 , Martha Mchardy

Nicola Bulley’s former secondary school expressed its “deepest sympathies” to her family and friends.

“It is with great sadness that we have learned of the passing of former William de Ferrers student, Nicola Bulley,” a spokesman for her former secondary school said in a statement.

“Our hearts go out to Nicola’s family and friends, many of whom live in our own South Woodham Ferrers community.”

Memorial service for Nicola Bulley to be help tonight in hometown

Thursday 23 February 2023 13:45 , Martha Mchardy

A memorial service will be held for Nicola Bulley tonight in her hometown.

The service will take place at the bandstand at Queen Elizabeth II Square in South Woodham Ferrers, Essex on Thursday at 8 p.m.

A mural of the mother-of-two has also been painted in her Essex hometown.

“The community always pulls together at times like this,” Kerry Linehan, who helped organise the gathering, said. “We are tomorrow night showing our love and paying our respect to the family.”

People who remember the 45-year-old are invited to attend.

Over £20,000 raised to support family of Nicola Bulley with funeral costs

Thursday 23 February 2023 12:45 , Martha Mchardy

Over £20,000 has been raised to support the family of Nicola Bulley with funeral costs.

The GoFundMe page was set up two days ago by friends of Ms Bulley after the 45-year-old’s body was found to support the family through funeral planning and to support her daughters.

Ms Bulley’s friends originally aimed to raise £10,000, but raised the amount to £25,000 after surpassing their target.

In a statement posted on the GoFundMe page, they said: “This is a situation that no one wishes to find themselves in, and we want to help the family through this awful time. The hope is that the funds raised will give the family one less worry, and will help Paul and their little girls now and into the future.

“The beautiful Nicola Bulley was the most amazing person you could have ever met, a heart made of gold, that shined through in everything she did. Her kindness knew no bounds and her legacy will live on through her beautiful little girls and Paul.”

Donate to the GoFundMe here.

Inquest opened into Nicola Bulley’s death

Thursday 23 February 2023 11:45 , Martha Mchardy

A full independent review has been commissioned into Lancashire Police’s handling of Nicola Bulley’s disappearance.

Lancashire’s Police and Crime Commissioner has asked the College of Policing to investigate their handling of the disappearance of the 45-year-old.

Police and Crime Commissioner Andrew Snowden said: “The public understandably feel that there remain questions about the handling of elements of the police investigation, how it was communicated, and the decision to release personal information, which need to be answered and explained.

“In my role as Commissioner, as the public’s voice in policing in Lancashire, I also need to put in place the appropriate scrutiny to seek the right assurances and to ensure I am effectively holding the Constabulary to account.

“I am sure there will be lessons to be learned for Lancashire Constabulary, the broader policing sector and others from this case, as there are from most major investigations and I will keep the public informed of the findings in due course.”

It overrides the previous internal review by Lancashire Constabulary.

Friends of Nicola Bulley increase fundraising goal for family

Thursday 23 February 2023 11:09 , Martha Mchardy

Friends helping support Nicola Bulley‘s family have shared a moving update as their fundraiser surpassed its goal of £10,000.

The fundraiser, set up two days ago to support the family through funeral planning and to support her daughters, has now been increased to £25,000.

So far over £18,000 has been raised.

They said: “We are so grateful for all of the support the fundraiser has received thus far.

“Nikki was the most amazing person and has clearly impacted so many people. We are increasing the goal so that we can help the girls and Paul as much as possible. Thank you all again.”

You can donate to the GoFundMe here.

Map: Where police searched – and where a body was found – after Nicola Bulley’s disappearance

Thursday 23 February 2023 10:15 , Martha Mchardy

A map showing the exact location where a body was found in the search for missing dog walker Nicola Bulley, compared to where she was last seen and where her phone was found has been released.

A body was found in the River Wyre in the search for missing dog walker Nicola Bulley, Lancashire Police confirmed on Sunday.

The body, which has not yet been identified, was found by two dog walkers a mile from where Ms Bulley was last seen, who alerted the police.

Martha McHardy reports:

Map shows where police searched and where body was found in Nicola Bulley search

Nicola Bulley: Lancashire Police investigated over death of another missing mother

Thursday 23 February 2023 09:30 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

A police officer from the force criticised over the Nicola Bulley search is being investigated for gross misconduct after the death of a young mother who was also reported missing.

Kiena Dawes, 23, was hit by a train near Garstang, Lancashire last July just hours after she was reported missing.

Following her death, her family claimed she was ‘let down’ by Lancashire Police.

Matt Mathers has more:

Nicola Bulley: Lancashire Police officer accused of misconduct over Kiena Dawes death

Nicola Bulley identified by dental records after her body was pulled from river

Thursday 23 February 2023 08:52 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Nicola Bulley was identified using her dental records, an inquest has heard.

Opening an inquest into the death of the 45-year-old mother of two, senior coroner Dr James Adeley said he had contacted a consultant maxillofacial surgeon to ask for a comparison of her dental records.

He said: “He examined the body that was located in the River Wyre near Rawcliffe Road in St Michael’s on Wyre at 2.15pm on February 20.”

Thomas Kingsley reports:

Nicola Bulley identified by dental records after her body was pulled from river

Three reasons why it may have taken so long to find Nicola Bulley’s body

Thursday 23 February 2023 08:11 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Missing mother Nicola Bulley was finally found on Sunday, around a mile away from where she was last seen on the river in St Michael’s on Wyre in Lancashire.

Ms Bulley had disappeared on 27 January while walking her dog after dropping her children off at school earlier that morning.

Police said two walkers, who used a path well trodden by officers, found her and the body was formally identified the following day.

Experts have said there are a number of reasons why Ms Bulley might not have been found sooner.

Matt Mathers reports:

Three reasons why it may have taken so long to find Nicola Bulley’s body

Nicola Bulley: What investigations have been launched and why?

Thursday 23 February 2023 07:36 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Since Nicola Bulley disappeared, the police, social media sleuths and the media have all received widespread criticism.

The 45-year-old’s body was pulled from the River Wye in Lancashire on Sunday but a number of questions have been left unanswered.

Here, the PA news agency looks at what investigations have been launched since her body was recovered and why they are necessary.

Nicola Bulley: What investigations have been launched and why?

Memorial organised in Nicola Bulley’s hometown

Thursday 23 February 2023 07:00 , Namita Singh

A memorial gathering is being organised in Nicola Bulley’s hometown in Essex to pay respects to the 45-year-old.

“The community always pulls together at times like this so we are tomorrow night showing our love and paying our respect to the family,” Kerry Linehan, one of the organisers told BBC News.

“We are a tight-knit community in South Woodham Ferrers and when things like this happen we always rally around and there is always something that will happen,” said Jon Morter, who runs a local community Facebook page.

A local artist Danny Bench has also painted a mural in her honour, reported the BBC.

The memorial service will take place at Queen Elizabeth II Square in South Woodham Ferrers, around 8pm tonight.

Nicola Bulley identified by dental records after her body was pulled from river

Thursday 23 February 2023 06:30 , Namita Singh

Nicola Bulley was identified using her dental records, the opening of an inquest into her death has heard.

Preston Coroner’s Court was told surgeon Andrew Ian Edwards had examined the 45-year-old’s dental records, which had been obtained by police from her dental surgery.

The hearing, which lasted about five minutes, was not attended by Bulley‘s partner Paul Ansell or any other family.

Thomas Kingsley reports:

Nicola Bulley identified by dental records after her body was pulled from river

Public raise £10,000 for Nicola Bulley’s family following tragic discovery of body

Thursday 23 February 2023 06:00 , Namita Singh

The public has raised more than £10,000 for the family of Nicola Bulley after her body found in the River Wyre on Sunday was confirmed to be the mother of two.

Friends and family of Ms Bulley have launched a GoFund Me campaign to donate to funeral planning for the 45-year-old and provide financial support for her partner Paul Ansell and their two young daughters.

The body was discovered on Sunday morning around a mile from where the mortgage adviser was last seen three weeks ago, walking her dog.

My colleague Thomas Kingsley reports:

Public raise £10,000 for Nicola Bulley’s family following tragic discovery of body

Full independent review commissioned into police handling of Nicola Bulley case

Thursday 23 February 2023 05:30 , Namita Singh

A “full independent review” is set to be carried out by the College of Policing into Lancashire Police’s handling of the Nicola Bulley case, the county’s police and crime commissioner said.

Conservative PCC Andrew Snowden said the public “understandably feel that there remain questions about the handling of elements of the police investigation, how it was communicated and the decision to release personal information”.

The force said it “welcomes the independent review”, adding that it is “keen to take the opportunity to learn”.

Report:

Full independent review commissioned into police handling of Nicola Bulley case

Voices: The Nicola Bulley ‘armchair detectives’ have crossed a line

Thursday 23 February 2023 05:00 , Namita Singh

There are thousands of retired and former police officers who’ve had the good grace and emotional intelligence not to get involved in the runaway commentary that has surrounded Nicola Bulley’s disappearance.

The only people who can claim to actually care about finding Nicola are her distraught loved ones and the 200 or so professionals who are on the ground in Lancashire, and have been for the past three weeks. Virtually everybody else who has invited themselves into the midst of these awful circumstances has done so for personal gain or validation.

Let me be clear: I am not referring to former cops who in good faith have tried to provide some insight into the rationale and investigation around “high-risk” missing person strategies.

I’m instead talking about a handful of former police officers, who in my opinion have recklessly thrown in completely unfounded and entirely speculative theories, that have resulted in the press and media seizing upon them and spreading them as if they were the truth.

Mike Pannett writes:

Opinion: The Nicola Bulley ‘armchair detectives’ have crossed a line

Police watchdog probes welfare check on Nicola Bulley days before she went missing

Thursday 23 February 2023 04:30 , Namita Singh

The police watchdog has launched an investigation into a welfare check on Nicola Bulley carried out by Lancashire Police on 10 January, days before she was last seen.

An IOPC spokesperson said: “Following a referral by Lancashire Constabulary on Thursday (16 February) we have started an independent investigation regarding contact the force had with Nicola Bulley on 10 January 2023.

“We were notified by the force that an officer attended the family home on that date as part of a welfare check.”

My colleague Thomas Kingsley has more:

Police watchdog probes welfare check on Nicola Bulley days before she went missing

Nicola Bulley’s body has tragically now been found – will it bring closure?

Thursday 23 February 2023 04:00 , Namita Singh

Nicola Bulley’s body has been found in the River Wyre, after weeks of agonising searches.

The latest unwelcome news comes against a backdrop of intense speculation on social media and appeals for information, while a family attempted to put one foot in front of the other, terrified of what comes next.

The public relate to it. They have connected with this traumatic event, and have become desperate for resolution.

When a loved one goes missing, there are hundreds of questions left waiting to be answered. How could this happen? Where are they? Will they ever be found? Did they run away? Were they attacked? Is this a tragic accident? Did someone harm them? Are they suffering? Are they safe?

When a loved one goes missing, there are hundreds of questions left waiting to be answered, writes psychologist Dr Jessica Taylor:

Will finding Nicola Bulley’s body bring her family closure?

What investigations have been launched in the Nicola Bulley case and why?

Thursday 23 February 2023 03:30 , Namita Singh

Since Nicola Bulley disappeared, the police, social media sleuths and the media have all received widespread criticism.

The 45-year-old’s body was pulled from the River Wye in Lancashire on Sunday but a number of questions have been left unanswered.

Read this report to find out what investigations have been launched since her body was recovered and why they are necessary:

Nicola Bulley: What investigations have been launched and why?

Rugby league star’s disappearance ‘exactly the same’ as missing Nicola Bulley, brother says

Thursday 23 February 2023 03:00 , Eleanor Noyce

The brother of an ex-rugby league player who disappeared in the US more than a year ago says his case is “exactly the same” as that of missing dog walker Nicola Bulley.

Bryn Hargeaves vanished in West Virginia last year, and now brother Gareth has drawn parallels with missing dog walker Nicola Bulley.

Matt Mathers reports:

Rugby star’s disappearance ‘exactly the same’ as missing Nicola Bulley, says brother

Nicola Bulley identified by dental records after her body was pulled from river

Thursday 23 February 2023 02:00 , Eleanor Noyce

Nicola Bulley was identified using her dental records, the opening of an inquest into her death has heard.

Preston Coroner’s Court was told surgeon Andrew Ian Edwards had examined the 45-year-old’s dental records, which had been obtained by police from her dental surgery.

The hearing, which lasted about five minutes, was not attended by Ms Bulley‘s partner Paul Ansell or any other family.

My colleague Thomas Kingsley reports:

Nicola Bulley identified by dental records after her body was pulled from river

Nicola Bulley: Lancashire Police investigated over death of another missing mother

Thursday 23 February 2023 01:00 , Eleanor Noyce

A police officer from the force criticised over the Nicola Bulley search is being investigated for gross misconduct after the death of a young mother who was also reported missing.

Kiena Dawes, 23, was hit by a train near Garstang, Lancashire last July just hours after she was reported missing.

Following her death, her family claimed she was ‘let down’ by Lancashire Police.

Read more:

Nicola Bulley: Lancashire Police officer accused of misconduct over Kiena Dawes death

Nicola Bulley: Diver explains why his team failed to find body

Thursday 23 February 2023 00:01 , Eleanor Noyce

A diving expert involved in the search for missing mother Nicola Bulley has defended his team’s involvement in the investigation.

A body was found in the River Wyre by two dog walkers not far from where the 45-year-old went missing three weeks ago.

Peter Faulding, head of Specialist Group International, led a team of experts and divers to assist Lancashire Police in searching the river using specialist sonar equipment.

My colleague Thomas Kingsley reports:

Nicola Bulley: Diver explains why his team failed to find body

Ofcom ‘extremely concerned’ by Nicola Bulley family comments about Sky and ITV

Wednesday 22 February 2023 23:30 , Eleanor Noyce

Ofcom has expressed concern following complaints made by Nicola Bulley’s family about ITV and Sky.

Bulley’s family singled out both corporations for personally contacting them despite asking press to respect their privacy. They said they were contacted after a body, later identified as Ms Bulley’s, was discovered on Sunday (19 February).

The media watchdog has written to both ITV and Sky “to ask them to explain their actions”.

A spokesperson said: “We are extremely concerned to hear the comments made by the family of Nicola Bulley about two broadcast licensees.

“We have written to ITV and Sky to ask them to explain their actions. We will then assess whether any further action is required.”

Read more:

Ofcom ‘extremely concerned’ by Nicola Bulley family media complaints

Man who says he found Nicola Bulley’s body claims ‘psychic gift’ led to discovery

Wednesday 22 February 2023 23:00 , Eleanor Noyce

A man who says he discovered Nicola Bulley claims he used his “gifts” as a “medium” to lead him to the missing mother’s body.

Police confirmed on Monday that a body found in the river near in St Michael’ on Wyre, Lancashire was that of Ms Bulley.

Jason Rothwell, who describes himself as a spiritual medium, wrote on social media that “yes, it is myself in the images in the media currently circulating”.

My colleague Matt Mathers has more:

Man who says he found Nicola Bulley’s body claims ‘psychic gift’ led to discovery

Media watchdog Ofcom asks ITV and Sky to ‘explain actions’ in Nicola Bulley reporting

Wednesday 22 February 2023 22:30 , Eleanor Noyce

Ofcom has written to ITV and Sky “to ask them to explain their actions” after Nicola Bulley’s family accused them of intruding on their privacy after her body was discovered in the River Wyre.

The media watchdog said it was “extremely concerned” after the 45-year-old’s relatives questioned the role of the media during the investigation into her disappearance.

“They again have taken it upon themselves to run stories about us to sell papers and increase their own profits,” a statement from the family read.

Watch:

Media watchdog Ofcom asks ITV and Sky to ‘explain actions’ in Nicola Bulley reporting

Social media algorithms fuelled online interest in Nicola Bulley case – experts

Wednesday 22 February 2023 22:00 , Eleanor Noyce

Social media experts have said platforms whose algorithms reward engagement drove ‘amateur sleuths’ and conspiracy theorists to discuss the case, Martyn Landi writes:

Social media algorithms fuelled online interest in Nicola Bulley case – experts

Nicola Bulley: What investigations have been launched and why?

Wednesday 22 February 2023 21:30 , Eleanor Noyce

Since Nicola Bulley disappeared, the police, social media sleuths and the media have all received widespread criticism.

The 45-year-old’s body was pulled from the River Wye in Lancashire on Sunday but a number of questions have been left unanswered.

Here, the PA news agency looks at what investigations have been launched since her body was recovered and why they are necessary.

Josh Payne reports:

Nicola Bulley: What investigations have been launched and why?

Public raise £10,000 for Nicola Bulley’s family following tragic discovery of body

Wednesday 22 February 2023 21:00 , Eleanor Noyce

The public has raised more than £10,000 for the family of Nicola Bulley after her body found in the River Wyre on Sunday was confirmed to be the mother of two.

Friends and family of Ms Bulley have launched a GoFund Me campaign to donate to funeral planning for the 45-year-old and provide financial support for her partner Paul Ansell and their two young daughters.

The body was discovered on Sunday morning around a mile from where the mortgage adviser was last seen three weeks ago, walking her dog.

Thomas Kingsley reports:

Public raise £10,000 for Nicola Bulley’s family following tragic discovery of body

Three reasons why it may have taken so long to find Nicola Bulley’s body

Wednesday 22 February 2023 20:30 , Eleanor Noyce

Missing mother Nicola Bulley was finally found on Sunday, around a mile away from where she was last seen on the river in St Michael’s on Wyre in Lancashire.

Ms Bulley had disappeared on 27 January while walking her dog after dropping her children off at school earlier that morning.

Police said two walkers, who used a path well trodden by officers, found her and the body was formally identified the following day.

My colleague Matt Mathers reports:

Three reasons why it may have taken so long to find Nicola Bulley’s body

Police handling of Nicola Bulley case to be under full independent review

Wednesday 22 February 2023 20:00 , Eleanor Noyce

Lancashire Police‘s handling of the Nicola Bulley case is to be examined under a full independent review.

The county’s police and crime commissioner announced the College of Policing will carry out the investigation.

Conservative PCC Andrew Snowden said the public feel “there remain questions about the handling of elements of the police investigation.”

It comes after the police watchdog launched an investigation into a welfare check conducted by a Lancashire Constabulary officer at Ms Bulley’s family home days before she went missing.

The mother’s body was recovered from the River Wyre three weeks after she went missing.

Watch:

Police handling of Nicola Bulley case to be under full independent review

Nicola Bulley: Lancashire Police investigated over death of another missing mother

Wednesday 22 February 2023 19:30 , Eleanor Noyce

A police officer from the force criticised over the Nicola Bulley search is being investigated for gross misconduct after the death of a young mother who was also reported missing.

Kiena Dawes, 23, was hit by a train near Garstang, Lancashire last July just hours after she was reported missing.

Following her death, her family claimed she was ‘let down’ by Lancashire Police.

The police watchdog said an officer from the force now faces investigation because a man was released on bail after being arrested on suspicion of assaulting Ms Dawes 11 days before she died.

Lancashire Constabulary referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) and an investigation launched in August last year remains ongoing.

More here:

Nicola Bulley: Lancashire Police officer accused of misconduct over Kiena Dawes death

Voices: The Nicola Bulley ‘armchair detectives’ have crossed a line

Wednesday 22 February 2023 19:00 , Eleanor Noyce

There are thousands of retired and former police officers who’ve had the good grace and emotional intelligence not to get involved in the runaway commentary that has surrounded Nicola Bulley’s disappearance.

The only people who can claim to actually care about finding Nicola are her distraught loved ones and the 200 or so professionals who are on the ground in Lancashire, and have been for the past three weeks. Virtually everybody else who has invited themselves into the midst of these awful circumstances has done so for personal gain or validation.

Let me be clear: I am not referring to former cops who in good faith have tried to provide some insight into the rationale and investigation around “high-risk” missing person strategies.

I’m instead talking about a handful of former police officers, who in my opinion have recklessly thrown in completely unfounded and entirely speculative theories, that have resulted in the press and media seizing upon them and spreading them as if they were the truth.

Mike Pannett writes:

Opinion: The Nicola Bulley ‘armchair detectives’ have crossed a line

Former detectives criticise Lancashire force: ‘Police didn’t find Nicola Bulley – dog walkers did’

Wednesday 22 February 2023 18:30 , Eleanor Noyce

The failure of investigators to recover the body of Nicola Bulley despite 23 days of extensive search has positioned the Lancashire police in the line of public fury. They are also being criticised for disclosing personal information regarding Bulley’s menopause and alcohol consumption.

A former Scotland Yard detective questioned their search strategy as he mounted an attack on the investigators.

“The bottom line is Lancashire Police and all their experts and all their doctrines did not find Nicola,” Peter Bleksley told Sky News.

“Two people walking along a river bank did.”

My colleague Namita Singh has more:

Lancashire Police criticised over Nicola Bulley search

What investigations have been launched in the Nicola Bulley case?

Wednesday 22 February 2023 18:00 , Eleanor Noyce

There are now a number of investigations that have been launched into the 45-year-old mother-of-two’s death after her body was pulled from the River Were on Sunday.

The inquest into Ms Bulley’s death is likely to take place in June, when a coroner will seek to determine how she died.

The College of Policing is reviewing three clear areas of focus in the case: investigation and search, communication and public engagement, and the releasing of personal information.

The announcement came after the force was criticised for releasing Ms Bulley’s personal details into the public domain, including her struggles with alcohol and perimenopause.

Elsewhere, the Independent Office for Police Conduct has launched an investigation after a welfare check was carried out at Ms Bulley’s home 17 days before she went missing. The investigation is noted to be “in its very early stages.”

The Information Commissioner’s Office has also made initial enquiries with the force to understand the reasons for disclosing Ms Bulley’s personal information in a press conference.

Finally, Ofcom has stated that it is “extremely concerned” by comments from Ms Bulley’s family about the press after her body was found on Sunday.

In a press conference at Lancashire Constabulary’s headquarters on Monday, a statement from the family said: “We tried last night to take in what we had been told in the day, only to have Sky News and ITV making contact with us directly when we expressly asked for privacy.

“They again have taken it upon themselves to run stories about us to sell papers and increase their own profits. It is shameful they have acted in this way. Leave us alone now.”

Ofcom wrote to ITV and Sky to ask them to “explain their actions”, with both organisations reportedly working closely with Ofcom to answer its questions.

TikTok takes action against Nicola Bulley conspiracy theorists who ‘disrupted’ search

Wednesday 22 February 2023 17:26 , Eleanor Noyce

TikTok has threatened to remove users who spread misinformation about Nicola Bulley after the social media app was criticised for allowing conspiracy theories to spread on its platform during the search for the mother-of-two.

The social media app said it would “take action” against people who violated its community guidelines when posting content about the case of Ms Bulley.

Police confirmed on Monday that a body found in the river around 1 mile from where Ms Bulley was last seen was that of the missing 45-year-old.

Ms Bulley had been missing for more than three weeks and amateur detectives, online sleuths and social media influencers descended on St Michael’s on Wyre to look for her.

My colleague Matt Mathers has more:

TikTok takes action against Nicola Bulley conspiracy theorists who ‘disrupted’ search

Nicola Bulley’s body has tragically now been found – will it bring closure?

Wednesday 22 February 2023 16:55 , Eleanor Noyce

Nicola Bulley’s body has been found in the River Wyre, after weeks of agonising searches.

The latest unwelcome news comes against a backdrop of intense speculation on social media and appeals for information, while a family attempted to put one foot in front of the other, terrified of what comes next.

The public relate to it. They have connected with this traumatic event, and have become desperate for resolution.

When a loved one goes missing, there are hundreds of questions left waiting to be answered. How could this happen? Where are they? Will they ever be found? Did they run away? Were they attacked? Is this a tragic accident? Did someone harm them? Are they suffering? Are they safe?

When a loved one goes missing, there are hundreds of questions left waiting to be answered, writes psychologist Dr Jessica Taylor:

Will finding Nicola Bulley’s body bring her family closure?

Information Commissioner’s Office makes initial enquiry to Lancashire Police

Wednesday 22 February 2023 16:00 , Emily Atkinson

The Information Commissioner’s Office has made initial inquiries with Lancashire Police to understand “the reasoning which led to the disclosure” of Nicola Bulley‘s personal information.

In a statement, a spokeswoman said: “We have made initial enquiries with Lancashire Police to understand the reasoning which led to the disclosure of Ms Bulley‘s information.

“We will assess the information provided to consider whether any further action is necessary.”

Lancashire PPC’s statement in full

Wednesday 22 February 2023 15:30 , Emily Atkinson

As we reported earlier, the Conservative Police and Crime Commissioner for Lancashire has confirmed his intention to commission an independent review into Lancashire Police’s handling of the Nicola Bulley case.

Here’s Andrew Snowden statement in full:

“This is a tragic case which has attracted unprecedented media and public interest. First and foremost, my thoughts remain with Nicola’s family and friends – who have suffered an unimaginable loss, made harder through being in the public eye.

“I’d like to thank all the police officers and staff, volunteers and members of the public who contributed to the search. The police’s working theory that Nicola sadly entered the river was correct, and I know how hard and tirelessly so many people worked to find her. Ultimately, this has always been about finding a missing mother, partner, sister, daughter and friend.

“The public understandably feel that there remain questions about the handling of elements of the police investigation, how it was communicated, and the decision to release personal information, which need to be answered and explained.

“In my role as Commissioner, as the public’s voice in policing in Lancashire, I also need to put in place the appropriate scrutiny to seek the right assurances and to ensure I am effectively holding the Constabulary to account.”

“I have therefore taken the decision to commission a full independent review into the handling of this case, with clearly defined terms of reference, to ensure lessons can be learned, not just for Lancashire, but for all forces. This includes how such cases can be best investigated and communicated under such spotlight and scrutiny.

“Yesterday I spoke with the Chief Executive of the College of Policing to agree the independent review and met with the Chief Officer Team of Lancashire Constabulary to outline the scope and nature of the review.

“Given the amount of misinformation on social media, poorly informed opinions given national airtime, the attacks on senior leaders personal appearance and family lives, along with the intrusion into the privacy of Nicola’s family, it is important that a professional, thorough, and informed review is undertaken by a national independent body, with the right skills and resources, understanding of the current standards and access to the investigation information.

“I am sure there will be lessons to be learned for Lancashire Constabulary, the broader policing sector and others from this case, as there are from most major investigations and I will keep the public informed of the findings in due course.”

Lancashire PCC asks College of Policing to carry out review into Nicola Bulley case

Wednesday 22 February 2023 15:08 , Emily Atkinson

Lancashire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Andrew Snowden has asked the College of Policing to carry out a “full, independent review” into the handling of the Nicola Bulley case.

He has commissioned the College of Policing to undertake a full independent review, alongside the independent scrutiny that will come from the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) and the Coronial process.

The College of Policing is the independent national standards setting body for policing, including the standards for police search, investigations, media relations and information management.

In a statement, Mr Snowden said: “Given the amount of misinformation on social media, poorly informed opinions given national airtime, the attacks on senior leaders personal appearance and family lives, along with the intrusion into the privacy of Nicola’s family, it is important that a professional, thorough, and informed review is undertaken by a national independent body, with the right skills and resources, understanding of the current standards and access to the investigation information.

“I am sure there will be lessons to be learned for Lancashire Constabulary, the broader policing sector and others from this case, as there are from most major investigations and I will keep the public informed of the findings in due course.”

In pictures: Tribute left for Nicola Bulley in St Michael’s on Wyre

Wednesday 22 February 2023 14:55 , Emily Atkinson

Police watchdog probes welfare check on Nicola Bulley days before she went missing

Wednesday 22 February 2023 14:24 , Emily Atkinson

The police watchdog has launched an investigation into a welfare check on Nicola Bulley carried out by Lancashire Police on 10 January, days before she was last seen.

An IOPC spokesperson said: “Following a referral by Lancashire Constabulary on Thursday (February 16) we have started an independent investigation regarding contact the force had with Nicola Bulley on 10 January 2023.

“We were notified by the force that an officer attended the family home on that date as part of a welfare check.”

My colleague Thomas Kingsley has this breaking story:

Police watchdog probes welfare check on Nicola Bulley days before she went missing

Policing watchdog launches probe into welfare check

Wednesday 22 February 2023 14:20 , Emily Atkinson

The Independent Office for Police Conduct has launched an investigation into a welfare check on Nicola Bulley carried out by Lancashire Police on 10 January, days before she was last seen, the watchdog said.

Police and media face questions and criticism over Nicola Bulley case

Wednesday 22 February 2023 14:00 , Emily Atkinson

Questions remain about the case of Nicola Bulley, with both the police and media facing criticism after her body was discovered more than three weeks after she disappeared.

Ms Bulley’s body was pulled from the River Wyre in Lancashire on Sunday after the 45-year-old was last seen on January 27.

She had been walking her dog in St Michael’s on Wyre after dropping her daughters, aged six and nine, at school.

Police and media face questions and criticism over Nicola Bulley case

Watch: Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer offer support to Nicola Bulley’s family during PMQs

Wednesday 22 February 2023 13:30 , Emily Atkinson

Public raise £10,000 for Nicola Bulley’s family following tragic discovery of body

Wednesday 22 February 2023 13:00 , Emily Atkinson

The public has raised more than £10,000 for the family of Nicola Bulley after her body found in the River Wyre on Sunday was confirmed to be the mother of two.

Friends and family of Ms Bulley have launched a GoFund Me campaign to donate to funeral planning for the 45-year-old and provide financial support for her partner Paul Ansell and their two young daughters.

The body was discovered on Sunday morning around a mile from where the mortgage adviser was last seen three weeks ago, walking her dog.

Thomas Kinsgley reports:

Public raise £10,000 for Nicola Bulley’s family following tragic discovery of body

Nicola Bulley identified by dental records after her body was pulled from river

Wednesday 22 February 2023 12:39 , Emily Atkinson

Nicola Bulley was identified using her dental records, an inquest has heard.

Opening an inquest into the death of the 45-year-old mother of two, senior coroner Dr James Adeley said he had contacted a consultant maxillofacial surgeon to ask for a comparison of her dental records.

He said: “He examined the body that was located in the River Wyre near Rawcliffe Road in St Michael’s on Wyre at 2.15pm on February 20.”

My colleague Thomas Kingsley has more on this breaking story

Nicola Bulley identified by dental records after her body was pulled from river

Nicola Bulley inquest opens

Wednesday 22 February 2023 12:28 , Emily Atkinson

We have more information now on the opening remarks to the inquest into the death of Nicola Bulley:

Senior coroner Dr James Adeley said he had contacted consultant maxillofacial surgeon Ian Edwards to ask him to compare dental records obtained by police from the Great Eccleston dental surgery.

He said: “He examined the body that was located in the River Wyre near Rawcliffe Road in St Michael’s on Wyre at 2.15pm on 20 February.”

Dr Adeley said the surgeon found restorative work carried out was identical.

He said: “I am satisfied on the balance of probabilities, and more, that positive identification has been made.”

Nicola Bulley ‘identified by dental records'

Wednesday 22 February 2023 12:17 , Emily Atkinson

Nicola Bulley, 45, was identified by dental records, the opening of her inquest at Lancashire Coroner’s Court has heard.

More to follow on this breaking story