The body recently found in the River Wyre has tragically been confirmed to be that of missing Lancashire mum, Nicola Bulley.
The 45-year-old’s death was confirmed during a press conference by Lancashire Police on Monday evening, as authorities revealed that the search for the mother of two had come to a close.
Nicola’s family were informed on Sunday and while the police admitted “it was not the outcome they wanted”, they hope it can at least “provide some answers”.
In a lengthy statement, the Bulley family said they will never be able to “comprehend what Nikki went through” in her final moments and criticised numerous news outlets for casting aspersions on husband Paul Ansell, as well as other friends, family members and individuals throughout the investigation.
"They again have taken it upon themselves to run stories about us… to increase their own profits… leave us alone now"
Taking aim at the likes of ITV and Sky News, large sections of UK media were slammed as “shameful”, insisting that they do not know when to stop and must “leave us alone now”. The Lancashire Constabulary have also been criticised for their handling of the situation and her personal details.
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The impact Nicola’s disappearance had on the local community was also noted, especially given the deeply personal and insensitive headlines written about her, with the family stating she “wouldn’t have wanted this [but it’s better than] people out there speculating and threatening to sell stories about her.”
Bulley, a mortgage advisor, was first declared missing on 27 January after dropping off her kids at school and taking her dog for a walk. The dog was found shortly after but authorities had been unable to locate her for the best part of a month.
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Operating under the theory she fell into the river at some point during the walk, divers were ultimately sent to try and locate her, with a body now confirmed to be Nicola Bulley eventually found around 11.36am on 19 February.
Bringing their emotional goodbye to an end, Detective Chief Superintendent Pauline Stables said on behalf of the Bulleys: “Nikki, you are no longer a missing person. You have been found, we can let you rest now. We love you… We will take it from here.”
Rest in peace.
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Peter Kay announces four intimate charity shows in Greater Manchester – but only for these postcodes
Emily Sergeant
Peter Kay has just announced four intimate shows to raise money for a very worthy cause… but you can only get tickets if you live in these particular postcodes.
Comedy legend Peter Kay is set to return home to the Bolton Albert Halls for four very special hometown shows in this summer, marking his first performances at the venue more than two decades.
Taking to the very stage where he recorded the UK’s biggest-selling stand-up DVD, it’s set to be a proper nostalgic homecoming for one of Britain’s most beloved comedians.
The summer shows – which are taking place from 9 – 11 July 2026, even including a matinee performance – this is a rare chance for local fans to be part of something incredibly special, with all funds raised going to Bolton Hospice.
But, there’s a bit of a catch… you’ll only be able to get tickets if you live in Bolton (and some parts of Bury), as it’s strictly limited to BL postcodes.
Peter Kay Live at the Bolton Albert Halls – 2026 Dates
Thursday 9 July (Evening)
Friday 10 July (Evening)
Saturday 11 July (Matinee)
Saturday 11 July (Evening)
Tickets officially go on sale Friday 24 April at 10am, and you can get your hands on them here.
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Seven in 10 NHS workers think the health service is ‘poorly prepared’ for another pandemic
Emily Sergeant
A new survey has revealed that seven in 10 NHS workers believe the health service is ‘poorly prepared’ for another pandemic if one should arise.
After the recent meningitis B outbreak in Kent last month raised the conversation of mass contagion once again, of course following the COVID-19 pandemic, a new YouGov survey of more than 1,000 NHS workers has now uncovered how well prepared staff in the health service think it is for another global pandemic.
The results show that 69% of staff surveyed think the health service is ‘poorly prepared’ for another pandemic, and to make matters worse, 26% of those even say it’s ‘very poorly’ prepared.
Only one in five (22%) think the NHS is could properly handle another pandemic, but statistically, YouGov claims none of those surveyed said it’s ‘very well’ prepared.
Seven in 10 NHS workers think the health service is ‘poorly prepared’ for another pandemic / Credit: Pxhere | Rawpixel
When workers were asked how the NHS’s level of preparedness now compares to prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, 41% did concede that they think it is better prepared now than 2020, however 37% admitted they think it’s no better prepared.
16% actively think it’s less well-prepared now than it was prior to 2020.
This marked a new era of ‘transparency’ and ‘accountability’ in the NHS, with the league tables delivering on the Government’s promise to drive up standards, tackle variation in care, and ensure people get the high-quality service they rightly expect.
Every trust in England – from urgent and emergency care, through to elective operations and mental health services – will now be ranked quarterly against ‘clear and consistent’ standards.
Danny Jones -
20th February 2023 
