Nicola Bulley’s dad is hoping for a “discovery” three weeks after she disappeared

Nicola Bulley with her dad Ernie

He said the family were hoping for a ‘breakthrough’ (Image: PA)

Nicola Bulley’s Dad is desperate for a ‘discovery’ three weeks after his daughter mysteriously disappeared.

Heartfelt Ernie Bulley has revealed how he has struggled every day since his daughter went missing at St Michael’s in Wyre, Lancashire.

The 73-year-old told Sky News he was hoping for a “discovery” as it has been 22 days since she disappeared.

“Every day is a struggle,” he said. “We haven’t been since three weeks ago.”

‘[We] we need a breakthrough to give us some hope.”

On Thursday, Nicola’s family hit out at “wild theories about her personal life”, after Lancashire Police said she had “struggled with alcohol and menopause”.

“We, as a family, believe that the public’s attention has been distracted from finding Nikki and more about the speculation and rumors in her private life,” they said in a statement.

Sister Louise Cunningham also marked the 22nd day of her disappearance with an online tribute.

Nicola Bulley and her father Ernie

Nicola went missing on January 27 after dropping her daughters – aged nine and six – at school (Image: PA)

“Three weeks without you home,” Louise posted on social media, alongside a photo of herself, Nicola and their 72-year-old mum Dot.

“We miss you so much. Time to go home now,” she wrote.

Police have been searching for Nicolas since January 27, scouring rivers and nearby land.

That morning she dropped her two kids off at school and walked Willow the dog, as usual.

Nicola Bulley's family

Nicola’s family said ‘people don’t just disappear into thin air’ (Image: PA)

Her phone – still connected to a call – and the lead and harness for the springer spaniel were later found by a dog walker who raised the alarm.

Emotional messages were left by the family on the bridge near where Nikola went missing.

“Nikki, please come home. Love you Lou hhh,” sister Louise wrote, while mum and dad Dot and Ernie wrote: “Praying every day for you. I love you mom and dad xxx.’

Lancashire Police confirmed on Wednesday that Nicola was treated as a high-risk missing person before she disappeared.

Nicola Bulley

Her mobile phone was found on a bench by a river (Image: PA)

Officers also revealed they visited her home on January 10 following a report of concern for her welfare.

The force has been criticized for sharing such personal information and is facing an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

Rishi Sunak said he was “concerned that private information was put into the public domain” during a press conference in Northern Ireland.

Asked what he thought of the information revealed by the force, the Prime Minister replied: “Well, I agree with the Home Secretary, and like her I was concerned that private information was put into the public domain.

“I am pleased that the police are looking into how this happened in the investigation.

“Obviously my thoughts are with Nicola’s friends and family and now I have to focus on continuing to try and find her.”

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