She seemed to disappear without trace and as days turned into weeks and the investigation offered no firm leads, it became a major and desperate search to find out what had happened to her.
As an independent review is released into the investigation, we look back in pictures to recall those weeks. We focus on the police activity, the sight of underwater search teams looking for Nicola, the messages of hope pinned to the bridge over the river and the media which followed the investigation as it unfolded.
You can also watch 'The Disappearance of Nicola Bulley' documentary tonight, Tuesday November 21 at 8.20pm on Shots! - Freeview channel 276, or alternatively you can watch it on demand now
1. The search for Nicola...
The riverside bench close to where Nicola was last seen became a focal point for the investigation. It was where Nicola Bulley's phone was found with her dog close-by Photo: Asadour Guzelian Photo: Asadour Guzelian
2. The search for Nicola...
Volunteers helped in the search for Nicola Bulley which continued for three weeks. Photo: Neil Cross
3. The search for Nicola...
A prayer tree with messages for Nicola in St Michael's Church close to where she disappeared. Picture: Asadour Guzelian Photo: Asadour Guzelian
4. The search for Nicola...
Lancashire Police Supt. Sally Riley gives a press conference Photo: Neil Cross