British Mother Vanishes "Into Thin Air"

On Monday, expert divers were searching the riverbed for any signs of a woman who went missing over a week ago. According to police, she seemed to have disappeared without a trace and her phone still dialed into a work conference call at an isolated rural spot in northern England, police said.

The loved ones of 45-year-old Nicola Bulley are challenging the police's hypothesis that she fell into the river, causing her disappearance. They claim that there is no proof to support this theory, leaving them in an emotionally challenging situation of uncertainty. The mortgage adviser was last seen 10 days ago walking her dog along the riverbank after dropping her two young daughters off at school as usual in the northwestern village of St Michael's on Wyre.

Soon after, her dog was found running loose "in an agitated state" prompting a member of the public to raise the alarm. With the media covering her strange disappearance, the police declared on Friday that they believe Bulley fell into the river.

According to Superintendent Sally Riley, who is heading the police investigation, the leading theory is that there was no involvement of any third party or criminal activity, but rather a sad instance of a missing person. On Monday, Bulley's partner, Paul Ansell, issued a statement via the police, saying that Bulley's two daughters are desperately missing her and need her back. Although the path beside the river is steep, the absence of footprints or mud marks has caused the family to question the police's hypothesis. Bulley's parents have voiced their concerns about the possibility of her being abducted.

Last week, Bulley's father, Ernest (73), stated that there is no indication that she fell into the river and expressed worries about her being taken by someone.

He mentioned that there are two young children who are eagerly waiting for their mother's return. Bulley's sister, Louise Cunningham, also commented, saying that someone must have information about what happened and that people don't simply disappear without a trace. The police divers have searched the river but have not discovered any clues related to the missing woman.

On Monday, a team of expert underwater rescuers joined the efforts. Peter Faulding, the CEO of Specialist Group International and a forensic expert, stated that the advanced sonar technology used by his company can detect "every stick and stone on the riverbed.

" He added that the outcome of the search will either confirm or dismiss the possibility of Nicola being in the river. We will continue the search tomorrow to try and bring some form of closure to Nicola's family," the firm wrote. "Our thoughts [are] with Nicola's family and friends at this very difficult time."

In November, Bulley -- who had frequently documented her walks on social media -- wrote on her Facebook page about the spot where she was last seen. "Very foggy cold walk," she wrote, adding that the area was "spooky." Detective Superintendent Rebecca Smith stated that the investigative team is fully committed and resolute in finding Nicola. "As a mother myself, I can't even begin to imagine what her two children are going through," Smith said.