Nicola Bulley police face watchdog probe after releasing claims about missing mum’s ‘vulnerabilities’
DETECTIVES investigating the disappearance of Nicola Bulley may face a probe by the police watchdog.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct today said it had contacted the force leading the case after certain details came to light yesterday.
On Wednesday, Lancashire Police said Nicola, who vanished after dropping her kids off at school in St Michael’s on Wyre, Lancashire, almost three weeks ago, had “significant issues with alcohol” as a result of menopause.
It was also revealed officers had been called to the family’s home after “a report of concern for welfare” on January 10.
These factors, partly identified by her partner Paul Ansell, meant she was classified as a high-risk missing person with several “vulnerabilities”.
An IOPC spokesperson today 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.”
Nicola was last seen close to the River Wyre on January 27 with her springer spaniel Willow.
Extensive water and land searches have been carried out, but there has been sign of her since.
The mortgage adviser’s family are desperate to bring her home so she can give her children a “cuddle”.
They said in a statement released via the police today: “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.”
Cops yesterday said Nicola had previously battled “significant issues with alcohol” as a result of menopause which had recently resurfaced.
Lancashire Police also revealed they’d been called to the family’s home after “a report of concern for welfare” on January 10.
These factors, partly identified by her partner Paul Ansell, meant she was classified as a high risk missing person.
Detectives today vowed to continue their hunt.
A spokesperson for the force said: “Our sole focus throughout the investigation has been to find Nicola, to bring her home and to support her family through the trauma they are experiencing.
“The most important person in all of this is Nicola.
“As we approach the three-week anniversary of her going missing, we remain committed to doing everything we can to find her.”
Investigators have faced huge backlash for sharing details that could “destroy” Nicola’s reputation.
Broadcaster Fern Britton, 65, said in a tweet: “I am uncomfortable with the latest news suggesting that Nicola Bulley has an issue with alcohol and menopause.
“The undertone is that she maybe ‘a bit unstable’ or perhaps even ‘not in her right mind.’
“Too easy to write a woman off like this. What lies behind it?”
Labour MP for Walthamstow Stella Creasy also questioned the cops’ decision to publicly disclose the private information, describing it as “deeply troubling”.