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National
Katie Weston & Aaron Morris

Nicola Bulley's sister makes urgent plea as widespread search for missing mum continues

Nicola Bulley's sister is urging members of the general public to continue to share an appeal to bring her home, with the search for the missing 45-year-old running into its third week.

Family and friends of the missing mum of two have been using social media to spread the 'Bring Nikki Home' campaign - with hopes that witnesses will come forward with information to assist Lancashire Police in their widespread investigation.

Nikki's sister, Louise Cunningham took to social media at the weekend to share the logo alongside three yellow hearts - writing: "Please keep sharing."

Read more: Nicola Bulley updates: The latest in search for missing mum as top detective claims 'crucial mistakes' have been made

The Mirror reports that one person commented on the post: "Sending lots of love and hoping and praying for your beautiful sister's safe return," while another, wrote: "Sending you all hugs and praying for Nicolas safe return, always thinking of you all."

A third, added: "Constantly thinking of you and your family Louise. I know that can't change anything but just so you know there's love and support behind you all on this journey to finding Nikki."

Undated family handout photo issued by Lancashire Police of missing woman Nicola Bulley, 45 (PA)

In an update 10 days ago, on February 3, Ms Cunningham cast doubt on Lancashire Police's hypothesis that her sister had fallen into a river. She wrote: "Please keep sharing my Nikki…Off the back of the latest Police media update, please can I add there is no evidence whatsoever that she has gone into the river, it’s just a theory.

"Everyone needs to keep an open mind as not all CCTV and leads have been investigated fully, the police confirmed the case is far from over."

Her latest comments come as friends and family leave yellow ribbons with handwritten messages on a bridge close to where Ms Bulley disappeared. The mum-of-two vanished on January 27 while walking her springer spaniel Willow in St Michael's on Wyre in Lancashire, shortly after dropping her daughters, aged six and nine, at school.

Ribbons with messages including "We need you home Nicola", "praying for your safe return" and "I love you" have been tied to a footbridge over the River Wyre. A large poster with a photograph of Ms Bulley has also been attached to the railings.

Lancashire Police are continuing to trawl the River Wyre towards the sea at Morecambe Bay, working on one hypothesis that Ms Bulley could have fallen in. The search has been aided by specialists and divers from HM Coastguard, mountain rescue and Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, with sniffer dogs, drones and police helicopters.

Ms Bulley's partner, Paul Ansell, said he wants to keep "all options open" about her disappearance, but his "gut instinct" tells him she is not in the river. He described Ms Bulley as "fun", "loving", "the most loyal friend you could ever have" and an "exceptional mum" who "absolutely adores our girls".

Read next:

  • Dog expert's verdict on why Nicola Bulley's dog was 'running back and forth' after she vanished
  • Nicola Bulley updates - Friends take to the roadside of St Michael's on Wyre with signs and placards
  • Nicola Bulley: Former DCI says seven key questions must be answered
  • Nicola Bulley: Six unanswered questions as police continue search for missing mum
  • The 11 facts in Nicola Bulley's disappearance that people should know, says friend
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