Nicola Bulley has been identified through dental records after she was found, according to the inquest

Nicola Bulley has been officially identified through dental records after her body was found in the reeds by members of the public 23 days after her disappearance, an inquest into her death was heard today.

A body was pulled from the River Wyre near where the missing mother was last seen last week and the community’s fears were later confirmed when she was identified.

The Preston Coroner’s Court heard today that surgeon Andrew Ian Edwards had examined her dental records, which had been obtained by police from a previous operation.

The chief forensic pathologist Dr. James Adeley said: “He examined the body, which was found in the River Wyre off Rawcliffe Road in St Michael’s on Wyre at 2.15pm on 20 February.”

dr Adeley said the surgeon found the restorative work performed were identical.

He added: “I am satisfied given the likelihood, and even more so, that a positive identification has been made.”

Mother-of-two Nicola Bulley (pictured) was discovered in the River Wyre in Lancashire on Sunday morning, more than three weeks after she went missing

Ms Bulley’s partner Paul Ansell and other relatives did not attend the brief hearing today, which lasted about five minutes

Ms Bulley’s partner Paul Ansell and other relatives did not attend the brief hearing today, which lasted about five minutes.

dr Adeley said: “The family have been informed of the date, time and location of the opening of the inquest and have chosen not to participate for reasons which I can fully understand.”

He said the remaining evidence collected by police and the autopsy are awaiting “further assessment” and a full inquest is expected to take place in June once the availability of a Home Office pathologist has been verified.

“This will allow time to gather the facts of the case and allow the experts involved to finalize the results of the investigations that have yet to be conducted,” the coroner said.

No cause of death was given at today’s hearing.

Meanwhile, Lancashire Police are undergoing two inquiries into how the case is being handled.

The independent Bureau of Police Conduct has confirmed it is investigating an officer’s visit to the family home as part of a welfare check from January 10 to 17 before the mother’s disappearance.

Meanwhile, Lancashire Police and Crime Inspector Andrew Snowden has also today asked the College of Policing to carry out a “full, independent review” of the police’s handling of the case.

Ms Bulley, 45, and her partner Paul Ansell. An inquest into her death was opened at Lancashire Coroner’s Court today

The force also announced it would be conducting an internal review, but there were concerns it could become a matter for the force “marking their own homework”.

The independent review is understood to replace the internal review announced by the force last week.

The investigation follows heavy criticism of Lancashire Police for their handling of the case.

An IOPC spokesman said today: “Following a referral from Lancashire Constabulary on Thursday, we have opened an independent inquiry into the force’s contact with Nicola Bulley on 10 January 2023.

“We were notified by the force that an officer was visiting the family home that day as part of a social check. Our thoughts are with Ms Bulley’s family and friends and all those affected by her death. Our investigation is still at a very early stage.’

Lancashire Police have said they “welcome the independent review that the Police and Crime Inspector has asked the College of Policing to conduct”.

Meanwhile, TikTok has vowed to crack down on social media sleuths who have disrupted search and posted troubling conspiracy theories online.

A statement said: “Our thoughts are with Ms Bulley’s family and friends at this difficult time. We have mobilized resources to monitor the evolving discussion of this case.

“We take action against violations of our Community Guidelines, including removing content and accounts and limiting the reach of some content by making it unsuitable for recommendations.”

Flowers are being left at the spot where Mr Bulley’s phone was found near the River Wyre last month

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