2023 was a challenging year for Lancashire Police as the force was thrust into the national media spotlight during the search for missing mum Nicola Bulley.
It was one of the biggest policing operations in the Constabulary's history, with detectives working around the clock for three weeks before the 45-year-old's body was discovered in the River Wyre by a medium from Oldham.
But detectives have had less luck with the following five cases from the past 12 months, as the victims' families continue their wait for answers and justice.
From one-punch killers to child rapists and a sadistic predator who sexually assaulted and murdered an elderly patient on a hospital ward - these are some of the biggest unsolved crimes from across Lancashire in 2023...
5. Detectives puzzled by 'unexplained death' of 58-year-old mum
The unexplained death of 58-year-old mum Wendy Warburton continues to puzzle detectives – despite a man being arrested on suspicion of her murder. She was found unresponsive and pronounced dead at her home in Kingfisher Court, Oswaldtwistle at 5.15pm on February 25. Lancashire Police said her death was being treated as 'unexplained' after a post-mortem examination failed to establish a cause of death. A 31-year-old man, of no fixed address, was arrested on suspicion of her murder but was later bailed and has not been charged with any offence. Police say they remain 'open-minded' about the circumstances surrounding Ms Warburton’s death. | Lancashire Police
6. Hunt for killer after 50-year-old found dead inside flat
Damian Jackson, 50, was found dead inside his flat in Regent Street, Lancaster on July 25, 2023. A Home Office post-mortem examination found that he died as a result of multiple injuries. A murder investigation was launched but despite extensive enquiries, no arrests have been made. His family have made a desperate appeal for help to find his killer. “We still have no answers. Someone out there knows the truth - and knows exactly what has happened to Damian. If you have any information, please contact the police.” | Lancashire Police
7. 28-year-old missing for more than a year
Daniel Hives went missing during a night out in Lancaster on December 10, 2022. He was last seen leaving an apartment close to the River Lune at around 9.30pm, but despite extensive police searches in the river and surrounding area, as well as CCTV appeals, no trace of Daniel has been found. Lancashire Police said he was involved in an altercation – from which he ran off - and was not believed to be injured. But he has not been seen since and was very near to the River Lune so there is concern he might have come to harm. Originally from Coventry, Daniel had been living in Preston for around eight years and has a young son and a family who are still hopeful they will find him safe. | Lancashire Police