As the hunt for missing Nicola Bulley continues, the 10 questions that remain unanswered

The search for Nicola Bulley has entered its 14th day with her devastated family still no where near knowing what happened to the missing mother of two. Yesterday, diving expert Peter Faulding stopped searching for her in the River Wyre near where Ms Bulley’s mobile phone was found and does not believe she fell overboard. Meanwhile, police believe that remains the most likely scenario, but say it remains a “possibility” that the 45-year-old would leave the area via a path not covered by CCTV cameras, but added that “all” criminal suspicions or suggestions had so far been discounted. Here we look at 10 unanswered questions…

1: Did it fall into the river?

This is still the ‘main belief’ of the police, but without a body, nicola bulleyEmma White’s friend said the theory had “no evidence”. Diving expert Peter Faulding said: “I don’t think it’s in the river.” He said drowning victims usually sink where they are.

2: Why are there no skid marks?

It’s steep there, so did you lose your balance and fall, instead of sliding? Critics said any markings could have been erased because the area has not remained cordoned off.

3: Couldn’t you swim to safety?

Friend Tilly Ann said that Mrs Bulley was an “incredibly strong swimmer”. Mr. Faulding said the river was only 3 feet deep by the bank and there were rocks to hold on to.

He added: “I can’t see how he could drown here.” But Mrs. Bulley was wearing two coats that could have weighed her down. Experts said many gasp when they fall into cold water, “which means the water fills your lungs.”

4: What about the dog ball?

Police said she may have gone to the water’s edge to retrieve Willow’s tennis ball. But Mrs. Bulley’s friend said that she had stopped taking a ball on walks because Willow “bothered” her about it.

5: Did your body go through the landfill?

Locals said that every time the sheep fall, the spillway 350 meters away prevents them from drifting down the river.

6: Was it washed out to sea?

The river meets the sea 13 miles from where she disappeared. The police searched beyond the dam, but Mr. Faulding did not. He thinks it’s ‘impossible’ for her body to have gotten this far. But Police Superintendent Sally Riley said: ‘The sea [is becoming] more than one possibility.

7: Was a ‘third party’ involved?

Seekers’ opinions differ. Mr Faulding said: “There is probably a third party involved.” Superintendent Riley said “all possible lines of investigation by third parties” were looked at and ruled out.

8: Was the phone a ‘decoy’?

Ms. Bulley’s phone was found at 9:33 am on the bank by the river. Technical examination revealed that it had been placed there at 9:20 am, but not by whom. Police believe Ms Bulley left him momentarily to attend to the dog. Faulding suggested that, if she was abducted, the phone “was a decoy” to make it look like she had fallen.

9: Are there alternative paths?

Other than the river, there are only three exits, two of which are covered by CCTV. Upon entering, she was seen by several people. No one saw her leave.

10: Are there CCTV black spots?

A second camera that was pointed at the field was not working. There are no cameras covering the way back to Garstang Road. Police identified 700 motorists on the road at the time and requested dashcam footage.