Nicola Bulley's name is on everyone's lips in the quiet village where she vanished 20 days ago.
The mum-of-two disappeared after dropping her children off at school and logging into a Teams call while walking her springer spaniel, Willow, in the village of St Michael's on Wyre, Lancashire, on January 27.
Her phone was found on a bench beside the River Wyre still connected to the Teams call, which had ended at 9.30am that day. An hour and a half later at 11am, Nicola was reported missing and immediately graded as high risk.
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Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, senior investigating officer Detective Supt Rebecca Smith said detectives have found no evidence of a "criminal aspect or third party involvement."
Home to around 600 people, the quiet village of St Michael's on Wyre has become a hive of activity in the weeks since Nicola's disappearance. Helen, 50, who works in the village, said: "Since it happened it’s a constant reminder, it’s devastating.
"From a little quiet village to suddenly be thrown into the spotlight – I’ve never seen so many people walking up and down the river. Constantly seeing police in uniform, it’s just so unusual for a village like this
"I drive past here everyday and you just can’t forget. It’s a conversation everyone is talking about."
Speaking of the amount of people speculating over Nicola's disappearance, Helen said: "I’m sure there’s good intent but I think people need to be mindful to go through the right channels."
A sea of yellow ribbons and daffodils have been tied to a bridge over the River Wyre, near where Nicola disappeared, while missing person posters adorn lampposts and railings.
One message said: "Dear God, please keep Nikki safe, please keep her in your hands. Amen." Another said: "Nikki, our hope and determination will stay strong until we bring you home."
While a third said: "Dear God, give us hope, keep her safe, please help us search."
Joy Carter, 91, said: "It’s a terrible tragedy. We listen to the news and hope something comes up, it’s terrible. You can’t sleep for worrying about it.
"You just wonder what on earth has happened."
Jean Williams, who grew up in the village, said: "It’s a walk I often do with my daughter or friends. If you have a dog that’s a good walk.
"I just want her to be home safely."
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