Lancashire Police refer themselves to IOPC over contact force had with Nicola Bulley before disappearance

Lancashire Police have referred themselves to the Independent Office for Police Conduct over the contact the force had with Nicola Bulley proper to her disappearance.

It was revealed that officers attended her family home in Inskip on January 10 - 17 days before she went missing, on January 27. It was confirmed that this was a welfare visit and that no arrests were made.

The police watchdog has said it is 'assessing the available information' following the referral to decide whether an investigation is required into the contact police had with Nicola earlier in January.

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Confirming Lancashire Police had referred themselves to the watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said in a statement: “This afternoon we received a referral from Lancashire Constabulary regarding contact the force had with Nicola Bulley on 10 January, prior to her disappearance.

The referral comes after Ms Bulley’s family called for an end to the 'speculation and rumours' about her private life. (PA)

“We are assessing the available information to determine whether an investigation into that contact may be required and if so, who should conduct that investigation.”

The referral comes after Ms Bulley’s family called for an end to the 'speculation and rumours' about her private life. Lancashire Police were criticised for disclosing that she suffered 'some significant issues with alcohol' in the past, which had resurfaced over recent months.

A Home Office spokesperson said: “Our thoughts are with Nicola Bulley’s family at this incredibly difficult time. The Home Secretary and Policing Minister are receiving regular updates from Lancashire Police on its handling of this case, including why personal details about Nicola was briefed out at this stage of the investigation.”

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