Nicola Bulley’s heartbroken husband detailed the instant he knew his wife had gone missing. Paul Ansell revealed to Channel 5 that he was about to drive down to the river in search of her when he received a call from their daughter’s school that Bulley’s phone and the dog had been found, but they didn’t see any traces of her.
Keep reading for all the details.
Paul Ansell’s Interview With Channel 5
Her partner told the news outlet that he was worried she was taking longer than usual on her dog walk and tried calling her phone but to no avail.
Ansell Decided To Go Look For Her
He then went down to the river and checked if she was doing okay.
But he couldn’t make the trip as his phone rang, and it was the receptionist at school who told him they had found the dog (Willow) and Nikki’s phone on the bench and the harness halfway down the embankment on the floor.
Ansell Immediately Felt Uncomfortable
Ansell disclosed to Dan Walker of Channel 5 that he knew something had gone wrong that instant, as Bulley would never leave Willow behind.
Ansell Called 999
He called 999 because he knew something was wrong, and the police called him back, requesting his presence at home.
No Answers
He disclosed that while he was hopeful at the start that they would find her moments after he discovered she was missing, things took a worse turn.
She May Never Be Found
Dive and forensic expert Peter Faulding, who brought a ray of hope following his intervention in the search last week, has expressed that Nicola is not in the river where she went missing, and it’s likely she may never be found .
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No More Search
He also confirmed that his team would not continue the search as local authorities moved their search party toward the sea.
‘Relieved’ He Hadn’t Found Nicola
The expert who was called to assist the police during the search added that he had been determined to find Bulley, but he and Ansell were relieved he hadn’t, as that meant she may still be alive somewhere.
Lancashire Police Passed A Stern Warning
While members of the public may have joined in the search, Lancashire Police have warned them not to take the law into their own hands, according to Superintendent Sally Riley .
