13 February 2023 , 12:10
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Missing mum-of-two Nicola Bulley disappeared while carrying her Mercedes car keys, a friend has revealed as the search enters its 18th day.
Neighbour and friend Charlotte Drake addressed speculation that the dog walker's keys had been left in the ignition, saying they were likely in her coat pocket.
She also praised Ms Bulley's partner Paul Ansell for his strength and courage, saying his resilience is "nothing short of a miracle" as he continues to care for his two children.
The mortgage adviser vanished on January 27 while walking her springer spaniel Willow in St Michael's on Wyre in Lancashire, shortly after dropping her daughters, aged six and nine, at school.
Charlotte Drake addressed speculation that the dog walker's keys had been left in the ignition (Lancashire Constabulary / SWNS.C)Charlotte said Ms Bulley was "the most beautiful person, inside and out who would do anything for anyone".
Hunt for wanted man who jumped in freezing river to escape police and vanished
Following speculation about the car keys, Charlotte, speaking with Mr Ansell's permission, said Nicola's keys were on her person.
Charlotte told the Metro: "She would have put [them] in her coat pocket."
According to Mr Ansell, the keys are described "with a couple of Mercedes keyrings on it, one black and one blue, a round wooden key ring with paw prints on it, and a couple of normal keys".
Police activity near the River Wyre today (PA)The comments come as Ms Bulley's family and friends leave yellow ribbons with handwritten messages on a bridge close to where she disappeared.
Ribbons with messages including "We need you home Nicola", "praying for your safe return" and "I love you" have been tied to a footbridge over the River Wyre.
A large poster with a photograph of Ms Bulley has also been attached to the railings.
It comes as the search for Ms Bulley, 45, a mortgage adviser from Inskip, has entered the 17th day.
Nicola's family and friends leave yellow ribbons with handwritten messages on a bridge close to where she disappeared (PA)Lancashire Police are continuing to trawl the River Wyre towards the sea at Morecambe Bay, working on one hypothesis that Ms Bulley could have fallen in.
The search has been aided by specialists and divers from HM Coastguard, mountain rescue and Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, with sniffer dogs, drones and police helicopters.
Ms Bulley's partner, Paul Ansell, said he wants to keep "all options open" about her disappearance, but his "gut instinct" tells him she is not in the river.
Mum appeared 'completely normal' moments before vanishing while walking dog
He described Ms Bulley as "fun", "loving", "the most loyal friend you could ever have" and an "exceptional mum" who "absolutely adores our girls".