15 February 2023 , 20:23
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Police investigating missing Nicola Bulley have been slammed after revealed the missing mum's health issues that 'recently resurfaced'.
The statement came after a press conference today where police said that Nicola had some 'vulnerabilities' which were being taken into account as part of the search for her.
The force divulged that the 'struggles' had caused 'real challenges' for her partner Paul Ansell and the rest of the family.
Lancashire Police said: "Sadly, it is clear from speaking to Paul and the family that Nicola had in the past suffered with some significant issues with alcohol which were brought on by her ongoing struggles with the menopause and that these struggles had resurfaced over recent months.
Police investigating missing Nicola Bulley have revealed the missing mum's health issues (strava)
But the decision to announce the information hasn't been well received (strava)"This caused some real challenges for Paul and the family."
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They went on: "As a result of those issues, a response car staffed by both police and health professionals attended a report of concern for welfare at Nicola’s home address on January 10th. No one has been arrested in relation to this incident, but it is being investigated.
"It is an unusual step for us to take to go into this level of detail about someone’s private life, but we felt it was important to clarify what we meant when we talked about vulnerabilities to avoid any further speculation or misinterpretation.
"We have explained to Nicola’s family why we have released this further information and we would ask that their privacy is respected at this difficult time."
It comes after a press conference today revealed police were treating Nicola as a "high risk" missing person due to some "vulnerabilities" (Julian Hamilton/Daily Mirror)But the update has been slammed by many, including Labour MP Stella Creasy.
She tweeted: "The decision to disclose this level of detail on a missing person's private life, with no evidence that this is assisting in finding her, is deeply troubling. The police need to be much clearer as to why any of this helps find Nicola Bulley or support this investigation."
Former Chief Prosecutor Nazir Afzal wrote on Twitter: "I have just seen the statement from police about Nicola Bulley & her alleged vulnerability.
"It should NOT have been issued It does NOTHING to find her It does, however, give fuel to the victim blamers, armchair sleuths & conspiracy theorists We don’t need ANY of them. The replies indicate she isn't alone with her concern."
And another wrote: "What the hell! Nicola Bulley "struggled with some significant issues with alcohol" & had "ongoing struggles with menopause" by Lancashire Police is disgraceful What the hell has that got to do with finding Nicola? Is she not worth finding? Is public perception meant to change?!"
Labour MP Stella Creasy hit out at the statement (Getty Images)Another said: "The fact that the police feel that they had to divulge that Nicola Bulley had significant issues with alcohol due to struggles with the menopause makes me uncomfortable. Give the poor woman some privacy. It’s none of our business."
Nicola has been classed as a vulnerable missing person.
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Officers attended the family home in Inskip, Lancashire, on January 10, police said later this afternoon, but added this was purely a welfare visit and did not involve any arrests.
The force meanwhile is continuing with their prime belief that Nicola, a mortgage advisor, at some point entered the River Wyre.
She was last seen walking her dog in the village of St Michael's on Wyre, with her phone discovered on a bench by the water.