Peter Faulding, an underwater search expert who helped look for missing mother Nicola Bulley, has released a statement ahead of the inquest into her death.

Faulding is the CEO of Specialist Group International (SGI) which was called in to help in the search for Nicola Bulley.

The inquest into the death of mother-of-two Nicola Bulley will begin later on today (Monday, June 26).

In the statement posted to Twitter, Faulding said he hopes the inquest gives Nicola Bulley’s family “the answers they are seeking and deserve.”

The statement reads: “Statement of Mr Peter Faulding, CEO of Specialist Group International (SGI) regarding the Nicola Bulley inquest.

“Our thoughts are with Nicola’s family and close friends, and we hope that the upcoming inquest into the death of Nicola Bulley provides the answers they are seeking and deserve.

“SGI were called to assist in the search for Nicola Bulley by Lancashire Constabulary following a request for SGI by the family. SGI; headed up by Peter Faulding, are proven specialists with decades of relevant experience in underwater search.

“SGI operates an array of technologically advanced and cutting-edge equipment; our work is always carried out to the highest professional standards with honour and integrity and always in the best interest of the families involved putting their concerns first.

“Over the years, Peter and the team at SGI have located many missing persons and vital evidence bringing closure, relief and dignity to the deceased, their families, and friends whilst providing evidence for official investigations at the same time.

“To clarify questions from the press and public:

“Since leaving the scene at St Michaels on Wyre on 9th February 2023, SGI or Peter Faulding have had no contact with Lancashire Constabulary. Regarding this case, SGI or Peter Faulding have not been requested to provide copies of the relevant side scan sonar search data, search reports, photographs or notes made at the scene and from the time spent with members of the family, friends, and police officers from Lancashire Constabulary.

“Furthermore, SGI or Peter Faulding have had no contact with HM Coroner. SGI or Peter Faulding have not been requested to attend the inquiry or submit any evidence or statements for the inquest into the death of Nicola Bulley.

“Importantly, our thoughts remain with Nicolas’s family and friends. We do not wish to intrude on their grief at this difficult time. Our hope is that their privacy is respected, and their wishes are put first as they go through the difficult period of the coroner’s inquest.

“SGI and Peter Faulding will make no further comments. #NicolaBulley”

Nicola Bulley went missing after dropping her daughters off at school

The mortgage adviser, 45, disappeared on January 27 after taking her two children, aged six and nine, to school.

She was then seen taking her springer spaniel Willow for a walk along the river.

Ms Bulley’s phone was found on a bench near the river, still connected to a work call and her dog’s harness and lead were found close by.

Peter Faulding and SGI assisted in the search for Nicola Bulley whose body was found and recovered from the River Wyre on February 19, 2023, near to where she went missing.