AN UNDERWATER search expert has revealed a new theory that throws doubt on the police's understanding of the events surrounding Nicola Bulley's disappearance.
Peter Faulding, who until recently was helping cops in the search effort, has suggested that it was unlikely that the missing mum fell into the River Wyre as investigators believe.
Mr Faulding told The Mirror: "The river on the day was slightly higher – it was about a foot higher – but I’d be very surprised in my experience [if Nicola was there] as a body usually goes to the bottom very quickly.
"If Nicola slipped down the bank, she would have landed in about two feet of water but onto rocks, and she could have stood up."
He added that, in his professional opinion, Nicola would have been seen if she had floated down the river that day.
Cops, however, remain convinced that the mum-of-two fell into the water while walking her dog on January 27.
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The search was widened yesterday as divers searched Morecambe Bay, Fleetwood, which is 20 miles from St Michael's on Wyre, Lancashire, where she was last seen.
Officers took to dinghies as they scoured the coast for any sign of the 45-year-old, without success.
It comes after Mr Faulding released a heartbreaking update in the case, saying that Nicola "may never be found".
Meanwhile, a new lead has emerged after a "shabby red van" was spotted close to where she went missing.
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Nicola's loved ones and members of the local community have gathered for a vigil and a roadside appeal as concern grows.
What do we know so far?
Nicola disappeared while walking her springer spaniel Willow in rural Lancashire in January.
At the time of her disappearance, she was wearing a long black gilet jacket with a hood and had her hair tied in a ponytail.
She had black jeans on with olive green ankle wellies.
Nicola's phone and the dog's lead were found on a bench nearby.
She was last seen at 9.10am that morning.
Superintendent Sally Riley of Lancashire Police confirmed there is a ten minute window where they cannot account for Nicola's movements, amid fears she left the path in a CCTV blackspot.
This is between the last confirmed sighting at 9.10am, and 9.20am when Nicola's phone was connected to a work call on the bench.
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Police divers and external experts have searched the river around St Michael's, to no avail.
The Sun Online has produced a full timeline of the case with every detail available.
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