Lancashire Police will undergo an internal review after the Prime Minister said he was "concerned" with the Nicola Bulley investigation.
Rishi Sunak criticised Wednesday's press conference from officers which saw "private information was put into the public domain". Mr Sunak told broadcasters that he was "pleased that the police are looking at how that happened in the investigation".
A date is yet to be set for the review, but it will be conducted by Head of Crime Detective Chief Superintendent Pauline Stables. It comes after the police disclosed information about Ms Bulley's issues with alcohol and the menopause during a press conference.
Read more: Nicola Bulley's dad says 'every day a struggle' three weeks on from when she went missing
Former Victim's Commissioner Dame Vera Baird told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that she believed the force made a "dreadful error" in releasing the information. The decision was also criticised by Suella Braverman. Speaking to broadcasters, Mr Sunak said: "Well I agree with the Home Secretary, and like her I was concerned that private information was put into the public domain.
“I’m pleased that the police are looking at how that happened in the investigation. Obviously, my thoughts are with Nicola’s friends and family and the focus must now be on continuing to try and find her.”
Meanwhile, the Independent Office for Police Conduct said had received a referral from the force regarding the contact officers had with Ms Bulley on January 10 - a couple of weeks before she disappeared. In a statement confirming the internal review, a police spokeswoman said: “A review of the investigation is diarised and will be conducted by our Head of Crime Detective Chief Superintendent Pauline Stables.
“She is also PIP 4 accredited and has attended the national reviewer course.”
Information Commissioner John Edwards said he will ask Lancashire police about its decision to disclose Ms Bulley's struggles with alcohol and HRT. In a statement, he said: "Data protection law exists to ensure people’s personal information is used properly and fairly.
"This includes ensuring personal details are not disclosed inappropriately. Given the high-profile nature of this case, we will be asking Lancashire Police to set out how they reached the decision to disclose this information in due course.”
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