'Everybody loved her - she was an amazing mum and partner' - Nicola Bulley's family pay tribute at her inquest

Nicola's Bulley's partner said 'everybody loved her' as he told an inquest into her death she was an 'incredible, amazing mum' who was 'full of beans' and in 'amazing spirits' the night before she went missing.

Paul Ansell said he believes the mum-of-two went to put a harness onto her dog, Willow, shortly before falling into the River Wyre in the village of St Michael's on Wyre in Lancashire on January 27. Mortgage advisor Ms Bulley's mobile phone was still connected to a work Microsoft Teams call when it was found on a bench overlooking the water.

Giving evidence, occasionally through tears, Mr Ansell said: "She was still listening to that meeting, so I think she must have maybe put the phone on the bench and gone to put the harness back on Willow."

Try MEN Premium for FREE by clicking here for no ads, fun puzzles and brilliant new features.

In a statement to the coroner, he said: "She was grateful for every day, she was an amazing mum and partner and this gave her huge security. She focused on the important things and did the right thing by everyone. She was well-respected by all who knew her. Everybody loved her.

"Nikki was a quiet person who enjoyed the simple side of life. She was a very private person and kept herself to herself."

Willow's harness, the inquest was told, was found lying in grass 'near a steep part of the slope' leading down to the river after Ms Bulley had taken her dog for a walk after dropping off her two children at school - a morning routine.

The Bulley family, through their barrister, urged the coroner, Dr James Adeley, to record a verdict of accidental death. They said they were 'of the view' that 'rumour, suspicion and speculation' has been 'allayed by the evidence' heard over two days.