Lancashire Police chief who defended force amid backlash over its handling of Nicola Bulley missing mother case died from natural causes aged 50

A Lancaster police chief who defended the force amid the backlash over its handling of the Nicola Bulley case has died of natural causes.

Assistant Chief Constable Peter Lawson, 50, who was described as an ‘outstanding officer who served the communities of Lancashire with pride’, passed away at his home on Sunday.

It has been confirmed that there will be no requirement for an inquest into Mr Lawson’s death and that funeral arrangements are expected to be arranged soon. 

The ‘highly respected and admired’ officer started his career in Preston before serving all over the county in a variety of uniformed roles.

He took a high profile role during the search for the missing mother earlier this year and was also involved in the policing of many other events and incidents during his career, from sporting occasions to protests and large civic events.

Assistant Chief Constable Peter Lawson, 50, passed away at his home on Sunday from natural causes 

Mr Lawson took a high profile role during the search for missing mother Nicola Bulley (pictured) earlier this year

Ms Bulley disappeared after dropping her two daughters at school in St Michael’s on Wyre, Lancashire

Mr Lawson appeared at press conferences during the search for Ms Bulley, 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 a mile from where she vanished while walking her dog in St Michael’s on Wyre, on January 27.

The force was criticised over its handling of the investigation and the disclosure of Ms Bulley’s personal information.

READ MORE: Lancashire Police pays tribute to chief Peter Lawson who took key role in search for missing mother Nicola Bulley after his sudden ‘medical-related’ death aged 50 

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.

‘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.’

Lancaster Police said in a statement online: ‘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.’

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