Nicola Bulley cause of death confirmed at inquest in Preston

Speaking at an inquest at Preston's County Hall today, Dr Alison Armour said watery fluid and fragments of dirt found inside Bulley's body were "typical features we see in cases of drowning".

The pathologist also claimed there was "no evidence" the mother-of-two was harmed as she rejected the suggestion of any third party involvement.

Dr Armour told the court: “I gave the cause of death as drowning.

"The watery fluid identified within the stomach and also in the lungs themselves are classical features as we see in cases of drowning.”

She added: “Ms Bulley was alive when she entered the water - because it is an active process to swallow and inhale water into lungs.

"My opinion as to the cause of death is that it was drowning.”

The pathologist also said Bulley had not been drinking before her death.

Lancashire Police previously revealed the mother-of-two had struggled with alcohol and perimenopause.

The force faced criticism for disclosing such public information but the Information Commissioner's Office last month announced it would not take any enforcement action over the remark.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct also cleared Lancashire Police of any wrongdoing but identified two "areas of learning".

Bulley went missing from St Michael's on Wyre in late January after dropping her nine and six-year-old daughters at school.

Her disappearance prompted a major search and sparked intense public interest after her found was found on a bench overlooking the water.

Bulley's phone was still connected to a work Teams call.

The 45-year-old's springer spaniel Willow was found shortly after.

Bulley's body was found more than three weeks later a mile away from where she was last seen.

The inquest at Preston's County Hall is expected to last two days.