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
13. The search for Nicola...
SGI undertook a specialist underwater search for Nicola along the River Wyre Photo: Kelvin Stuttard
14. The search for Nicola...
A heartfelt message pinned to the bridge over the River Wyre which became a focal point for the community as the search for Nicola continued Photo: Daniel Martino
15. The search for Nicola...
A QR code was used for online information as the search continued Photo: Neil Cross
16. The search for Nicola...
A photograph of Nicola Bulley with her partner Paul Ansell next to a burning candle by a window in St Michael's Church. Photo: Asadour Guzelian Photo: Asadour Guzelian
17. The search for Nicola
SGI start their specialist underwater search for Nicola Bulley on the River Wyre. Photo: Kelvin Stuttard Photo: Kelvin Stuttard
18. The search for Nicola
Everyone in the village offered hope and prayers for Nicola as police investigated her disappearance Photo: Daniel Martino