Drones, search dogs, and underwater search teams have been utilised in a search for a woman who went missing while walking her dog.

Nicola Bulley, 45, from Inskip, was last seen on Friday morning (January 27) at around 9.15am on the footpath by the river off Garstang Road in St Michael’s on Wyre.

An investigation has been launched into her whereabouts, with drones, search dogs and other resources being utilised by police.

A spokesperson for the police said: “Our thanks to those continuing to support the police with the search, from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service utilising their staff and drone capability, Bowland Pennine Mountain Rescue team and the North West Underwater Search Team.

“This search will continue today and in to next week.

“We are also supporting Nicola’s family and remain in close contact with them.

“We are keeping an open mind about where Nicola may be and a team of detectives are also investigating the circumstances around her disappearance and are following a number of lines of enquiry.

“We continue to ask for information about Nicola’s disappearance.

“We have also become aware that a large number of people from the local community have organised a search of the area and we would urge them to stay safe.

“The river and its banks are extremely dangerous and searching these areas presents a genuine risk to the public.”

Nicola is described as white, 5ft 3ins tall, with light brown shoulder-length hair. She speaks with an Essex accent.

She was last seen wearing a long black gilet jacket with a hood, black jeans and olive green ankle wellies. Her hair was tied into a ponytail.

Immediately prior to going missing Nicola was walking her dog, described as a brown-coloured Spaniel.

The dog has since been found close to where Nicola was last seen, with officers hope the information might help jog the memory of anybody who saw her at around the same time.

As well as Inskip and St Michael’s, Nicola also has links to Thornton Cleveleys.

Anybody who has seen Nicola, or has information about where she might be, is asked to call 101, quoting log 473 of January 27th. For immediate sightings please call 999.