‘Potentially key’ witness to disappearance of dog walker Nicola Bulley found

The search for a missing woman who vanished whilst walking her dog continues, as police confirm a “potentially key” witness has been found and is speaking to Lancashire Police, officers have revealed. 

The police force had put out an appeal for the man to come forward on Tuesday. 

He was described as about 70 years old and is believed to have been in the area at the time Nicola Bulley went missing. 

In a statement, Ms Bulley’s family said: “We have been overwhelmed by the support from our community and would like to thank everyone for their ongoing efforts to help us find Nicola.

“The girls are desperate to have their mummy back home safe with them and your ongoing efforts have provided comfort to them whilst we await news on Nicola.”

Ms Bulley, 45, was last seen at 9.15 am on Friday by a member of the public. 

Her mobile phone was found on a bench near where she was last seen on a towpath by the River Wyre in St Michael’s on Wyre, Lancashire. It was still connected to a conference call when it was found. 

Her dog was also found loose between the river and the bench. 

The area is being searched by police, Coastguard and Bowland Mountain Rescue. 

Police say they are “extremely concerned” for Nicola Bulley’s welfare but stressed the investigation still remains a missing person inquiry and there is nothing at the moment to suggest third-party involvement in her disappearance.