Strained relations between Nicola Bulley's family and police during search revealed

Details of strained relations between Nicola Bulley's family and police investigators during the search for her have been revealed for the first time.

During the police search for the 45-year-old, Ms Bulley's family were told by underwater search expert Peter Faulding that the police had "low-tech" diving equipment which was "unlikely" to be able to find a body.

Despite police debunking the claims, a new report has revealed that a family friend told police a “strong message [of] refusal to use Mr Faulding and SGI” would result in a “negative press release to the media”.

The role of underwater search expert Peter Faulding was examined in the review of the police's handling of the search for missing Ms Bulley, who was found dead on February 19, 2023. The College of Policing report said Lancashire Police felt some of his behaviour and activities “caused challenges to the investigation”.

Although Mr Faulding had shared concerns over the police's equipment, investigators were advised that SGI did not have any better equipment that could not be secured by the force.

After Ms Bulley's family requested that Mr Faulding's company's equipment be used instead, Lancashire Constabulary felt it was placed in an impossible situation, which would lead to a widespread negative perception that the force was not using every opportunity to locate Ms Bulley if they didn't ask for his help, the report said.

Lancashire Constabulary felt that this would undermine public trust and confidence and, therefore, subsequently agreed to allow SGI to support them in their search efforts and contacted Mr Faulding, who offered his services free of charge.

A chief inspector then met Mr Faulding to offer “suitable, robust advice about the information he is passing to the media – unhelpful to the investigation, the family and wider community”.

The review said Lancashire Police appeared to present him with a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) not to discuss the search with anyone outside the investigation.

But SGI responded that no “official” NDA had been discussed or signed and, in fact, Mr Faulding and his team felt “ambushed” by the press and had no support from police so assumed his involvement with the media was “within the terms of engagement”.

Mr Faulding told the report authors that he was not advised or supported with any media guidance by Lancashire Constabulary, that he did not receive any instruction not to engage with press.

The report said Mr Faulding had also informed the Bulley family that he thought he had identified a body deposition site (the location or believed location site of a deceased body).

As part of the review, Lancashire Constabulary suggested this had caused unwarranted distress and false alarm and resulted in the diversion of police resources to the family to remedy the situation.

The report continues: “It is the view of Lancashire Constabulary that Mr Faulding had a significant impact on the investigation and public confidence through his activities and his engagement with the media.

“The review team considers that some of his actions created a more challenging environment for the investigation team.

“His public statements often contradicted the investigative and operational approach, leading to confusion for the public and reducing the family’s trust in the investigation and search operation.”

Mr Faulding and SGI have been contacted for comment.