The family of Nicola Bulley has spoken out after police came under fire for releasing personal details of the missing mum. The mother-of-two disappeared on January 27 as she walked her dog along a towpath on the River Wyre.
But as weeks of searches have drawn a blank Lancashire Police issued a statement on Wednesday saying Nicola had been catogorized as "high risk" missing person due to a number of personal issues. This included that she had "significant" issues with alcohol in the past which had resurfaced recently as a result of the menopause.
The force also said it had been called to the family home weeks earler following a "report of concern for welfare". Now, as it emerged the Independent Office for Police Conduct had been in touch with Lancashire Police over the information made public, her family has spoken out.
In a statement released through Lancashire Police, Nicola Bulley’s family said: “It has now been three weeks since Nikki went missing. We, as a family, believe that the public focus has become distracted from finding Nikki, and more about speculation and rumours into her and Paul’s private life.
“As a family, we were aware beforehand that Lancashire Police, last night, released a statement with some personal details about our Nikki. Although we know that Nikki would not have wanted this, there are people out there speculating and threatening to sell stories about her. This is appalling and needs to stop. The police know the truth about Nikki and now the public need to focus on finding her.
“Due to the peri menopause Nikki suffered with significant side effects such as brain fog, restless sleep and was taking HRT to help but this was giving her intense headaches which caused Nikki to stop taking the HRT thinking that may have helped her but only ended up causing this crisis. The public focus has to be on finding her and not making up wild theories about her personal life.
“Despite what some media outlets and individuals are suggesting, we are being updated daily and receive support from our family liaison officers. Nikki is such a wonderful daughter, sister, partner and mother and is missed dearly – we all need you back in our lives.
“Nikki, we hope you are reading this and know that we love you so much and your girls want a cuddle. We all need you home. You can reach out to us, or you can contact MissingPeople.org.uk. Don’t be scared, we all love you so very much.”
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has said it has made contact with Lancashire Police over information made public in the press conference on Wednesday. In a statement, a spokesman for the IOPC said: “Following information that was made public by Lancashire Constabulary yesterday, we have made contact with the force to determine if a referral to the IOPC may be required.”
