Nicola Bulley is a bombshell as a forensic expert who has called the investigation “a mess” and says crucial evidence may have been overlooked

A FORENSIC expert has dropped a bombshell on Nicola Bulley’s investigation – calling it “a mess” as crucial evidence may have been missed.

Today is the ninth day that police are struggling to comb the area where the mother of two was last seen.

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Cops have said in recent days their “main working hypothesis” is that Nicola “sadly” fell into the icy River Wyre.

However, they revealed yesterday that there was “no evidence of a slip or fall”.

The 45-year-old dog walker disappeared after giving birth to her children on Friday April 27.

Since then there has been no trace of the mother of two, leaving her family in torment.

Her partner Paul Ansell asked for help last night and said he still had hope of finding her.

And he added: “There is no evidence yet that one scenario is preferred over another and all options must be kept wide open.”

But underwater forensics expert Peter Faulding has revealed he believes police overlooked “critical” evidence.

He also criticized police for not cordoning off the area where Nicola disappeared and said they were too quick to assume there were no suspicious circumstances.

He told MailOnline: “It should have been cordoned off immediately as a potential crime scene.

“This area is critical. Critical forensic evidence may have been found at this location.”

Peter said that “loads” of people would now have stomped through the area – covering up any remaining traces.

He continued: “I don’t know how the police can say that there is no evidence of third party involvement in these disappearances unless they have actually verified it.

“I think this is really a mess.”

The expert also called the police equipment low-tech, adding: “It is very unlikely that they will be able to find a body with it.”

‘NO PROOF’

The cops were also slammed for their hypothesis by Nicolas’ sister Louise Cunningham and friend Emma White yesterday.

The couple explained that there was “no evidence” to support the theory that the mother fell in while trying to retrieve her dog Willow’s tennis ball.

And Emma pointed out that Nicola didn’t even take Willow’s ball on walks anymore, as the pooch became fixated on the toy and had a hard time walking.

It comes after police said they tracked down a “key witness” last night.

Police had released a picture of a woman in yellow pushing a stroller – asking for the public’s help to find her.

And she was quickly traced last night, with Lancashire Police saying: “Our investigation to find Nicola is extensive and will include speaking to as many members of the public as possible.”

They added: “There will be a lot of people who have been in this area at that point who may not believe they can help. We urge you not to make this decision yourself and come forward so we have as much material as possible to help the investigation.”

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