Nicola Bulley cops bring in top investigator to crack case of missing mum

One of the top investigators in Britain is working to solve the riddle of Nicola Bulley’s disappearance, it has been reported.

Lancashire Police has faced fierce backlash for its search for the mum-of-two, who has now been missing for more than three weeks.

The 45-year-old vanished while walking her dog in the village of St Michael’s on Wyre on January 27, after dropping off her two daughters at school.

After a series of failed searches, a detective from the National Crime Agency has been drafted in to help.

The officer led a specialist team from the agency that usually deals with organised crime, trafficking, and even fraud.

Most recently, he worked on the case of murdered police officer Julia James, The Sunday Times reported.

It is understood he was called in at an early stage to provide advice to detective superintendent Rebecca Smith, the senior investigating officer on the case.

He is believed to have told the force to bring in a squad of top experts, including a digital media specialist, forensic clinical psychologists, and a dog behavioural specialist.

But the NCA stressed the investigation continues to be led by Lancashire Police and that the agency is providing support.

A statement read: ‘A national senior investigating officer adviser from the NCA is leading a team of officers from the agency’s major crime investigative support unit, who are providing tactical advice and guidance, as well as access to a number of specialists.’

This comes after Lancashire Police was contacted by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) over information released to the public about Ms Bulley’s ‘struggles with alcohol and menopause’ before her disappearance.

Detectives continue to maintain the stance that no third party is involved in the case.

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