A search and rescue expert working alongside emergency services to find Nicola Bulley says he was not given "crucial information" about her which would have altered his strategy. A large search operation has been underway in the St Michael's on Wyre area of Lancashire ever since Ms Bulley was last seen on January 27.
The mum-of-two was spotted at 9.10am walking her springer spaniel Willow alongside the River Wyre and her phone, still connected to a work call, was found around 20 minutes later. It was located on a bench overlooking the riverbank in the area where Willow was also found running loose.
As efforts to find Nicola Bulley continue, Lancashire Police revealed on Wednesday (February 16) that she had "significant issues with alcohol" in the past. The disclosure came despite the force saying earlier that day that it would not elaborate on the "vulnerabilities" that made Nicola Bulley a "high risk person."
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The disclosure also prompted concern from Home Secretary Suella Braverman, who demanded an explanation from Lancashire Police. According to a source close to the Home Secretary, she received an explanation from police on Thursday evening.
One of the experts working on the search has now revealed that his strategy would have been different if he had known the information that has now been revealed by police. Peter Faulding is the CEO of Specialist Group International, which specialises in services including underwater searches.
He tweeted: "I can confirm that my usually trusted team and I were not passed this crucial information during our search, which would have changed search strategy."
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