Nicola Bulley police chief's cause of death confirmed after suddenly dying

12 December 2023 , 19:33

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Assistant Chief Constable Peter Lawson died on Sunday (Image: Julian Hamilton/Daily Mirror)

The cause of death of the police chief who led the Nicola Bulley search has been revealed.

Assistant Chief Constable Peter Lawson died suddenly at his home on Sunday, with Lancashire Police initially only stating his death was medical related and had been referred to the coroner. The force has this evening confirmed the coroner has established he died of natural causes and "there is no requirement" for an inquest.

The constabulary said today: "Following the tragic death of Assistant Chief Constable Peter Lawson at the weekend, His Majesty’s senior coroner for Lancashire and Blackburn with Darwen has reviewed the circumstances. It has now been established that Peter died from natural causes and funeral arrangements will be made in due course.

Nicola Bulley's body was found in February after an extensive search (PA)

"His Majesty’s senior coroner has confirmed there is no requirement for an inquest. Our deepest condolences once again go out to Peter’s family, and we will support them as much as we can. Our thoughts are with them and everyone who knew Peter. We want to respect their privacy and would ask that the public and media do so too. We will continue to offer support to all our staff and those who worked with Peter, as we mourn his loss."

Mr Lawson was previously described as an "outstanding officer who served the communities of Lancashire with pride" by the constabulary. The "admired" officer started his career in Preston before serving all over the county in a variety of uniformed roles and, earlier this year, took a high-profile role during the search for missing mother Ms Bulley.

Mum appeared 'completely normal' moments before vanishing while walking dog

Lawson and Detective Chief Superintendent Pauline Stables during a press briefing during the search (Getty Images)

He appeared at press conferences during the search for the 45-year-old, who disappeared after dropping her two daughters at school in St Michael's on Wyre, Lancashire, earlier this year. Her body was found in the River Wyre on February 19, about one mile from where she vanished while walking her dog in St Michael's on Wyre, Lancashire, on January 27. The force was criticised over its handling of the investigation and the disclosure of Ms Bulley's personal information.

Mr Lawson also gave evidence to the Manchester Arena terror attack inquiry. Lancashire's Chief Constable Chris Rowley said: "This is incredibly sad and tragic news. My thoughts and prayers are with all of Pete's family and friends at this difficult time."

Assistant Chief Constable Peter Lawson and Get. Supt. Rebecca Smith (Julian Hamilton/Daily Mirror)

"Pete's death will come as a shock to the entire force and the wider police family across the country. He was an outstanding officer who served the communities of Lancashire with pride. He was also highly respected and admired by all who knew him and worked with him. Our deepest condolences go out to his family and we will support them as much as we can. We will offer support to all our staff and those who worked with Pete, as we mourn his loss."

A report last month into the police investigation to find Ms Bulley warned officers they could have done more to protect evidence in the "golden hour" after she disappeared. The inquiry found that officers should have protected the area where she was last seen by cordoning off a bench where her phone was found, still connected to a work call.

Ryan Merrifield