Lancashire police find potential witness of missing mum Nicola Bulley

Police searching for missing mother-of-two Nicola Bulley say they have found the man they wanted to speak to who was seen in the area when she went missing.

Nicola, 45, has not been seen since 9:15am on Friday 27 January after walking along a footpath in the town of Wyre, Lancashire.

Lancashire Police described him as around 70-years-old, white, six feet tall and well-built.

He is said to have spoken to a woman in the area before walking in the direction of Rowanwater.

They say they are now speaking to him to see what information he can provide.

Nicola Bulley was walking her brown springer spaniel, Willow, in the area.

The mum's mobile phone - still connected to a conference call - was found on a bench near the riverbank.

Her 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.

"We ask for anyone who thinks they may have any information that may help the police find Nicola to please come forward and help them with their inquiries."

Speaking at a press conference on Monday Superintendent Sally Riley said Ms Bulley knew the area well and used to do the riverside walk regularly.

She added that concern is rising as the days pass by.

She said: "We’ve got a large area to search. People do go missing but clearly as time goes on, we become more and more concerned for Nicola.

"But we’re very much hoping that we will find something to try to bring her home safe and well soon."

Police dive teams, fire service drones, search dogs, helicopters and mountain rescue volunteers have all been deployed to the area to carry out extensive searches.

Officers say they are also supporting Nicola’s family and remain in close contact with them.