We will never be able to comprehend what our beloved Nicola went through in her last moments, missing mum’s family say
NICOLA Bulley’s family have said they will never be able to comprehend what she went through in her final moments.
In a press conference this evening cops shared the tragic update that the body found yesterday was Nicola’s.
They also read a statement from her heartbroken family, who said their “worst fears had been confirmed today”.
Detective Chief Superintendent Pauline Stables read their words, saying: “We will never be able to comprehend what Nikki had gone through in her last moments and that will never leave us.
“We will never forget Nikki, how could we, she was the centre of our world, she was the one who made our lives so special and nothing will cast a shadow over that.
“Our girls will get the support they need from the people who love them the most.”
They added: “Our hearts truly break for others who have missing loved ones. Keep that hope alive.
“Finally, Nikki, you are no longer a missing person, you have been found, we can let you rest now.
“We love you, always have and always will, we’ll take it from here.”
In their statement, Nicola’s family criticised press coverage of the search for the mum-of-two and hit out at harmful social media speculation.
They specifically mentioned two broadcasters who tried to contact them today, after they had “expressly asked for privacy”.
The case has attracted widespread interest since tragic Nicola’s disappearance and amateur sleuths have flooded social media with wild theories during the three-week hunt for the mum.
The mum-of-two, 45, was last seen in St Michael’s on Wyre, Lancashire, at around 9.15am on January 27.
Her disappearance sparked a mystery after her mobile was found on a bench still connected to a work conference call.
Nicola’s pet springer spaniel Willow was also found – but there was no trace still of the mum-of-two.
Police searching for Nicola yesterday confirmed a body had been found less than a mile from where she was last seen more than three weeks ago.
It comes as…
- Police confirmed that Nicola’s body had been found in the River Wyre
- Nicola’s family said that they’ll never be able to “forget” the tragedy
- A ‘psychic’ claimed that he found the body during the search
- The Home Secretary was reported to be “not satisfied” over cop’s explanation of why they released information on Nicola’s “vulnerabilities”
- Dive expert Peter Faulding said “I did my best” in the search for the mum-of-two
- An ex-cop said that the body may have been “weighed down” before it was found
However, they needed formal identification to take place before they could confirm the remains were Nicola’s.
That process has now been completed, with officers now confirming the body belongs to the mum-of-two.
Lancashire Police’s Assistant Chief Constable Peter Lawson confirmed the heartbreaking news in a press conference at 5.30pm.
He said: “Sadly, we are now able to confirm that yesterday we recovered Nicola Bulley from the River Wyre.
“Nicola’s family have been informed and are of course devastated. Our thoughts are with them at this time as well as with all her loved ones and the wider community.
“We recognise the huge impact that Nicola’s disappearance has had on her family and friends, but also on the people of St Michael’s.
“We would like to thank all of those who have helped during what has been a hugely complex and highly emotional investigation.
“Today’s development is not the outcome any of us would have wanted, but we hope that it can at least start to provide some answers for Nicola’s loved ones, who remain foremost in our thoughts.
“The case is now being handled by HM Coroner.”