An NHS mental health chief has slammed police for revealing personal details about Nicola Bulley's struggles with the menopause as part of their probe into her disappearance. Zoe Billingham, the chair of the NHS mental health trust, said she was 'deeply troubled' that sensitive information about 45-year-old Nicola has been released by Lancashire Police. She accused the force of prioritising protecting its reputation over finding the mum-of-two, who vanished while walking her dog on Friday, January 27.
It comes after police revealed on Wednesday that Nicola was graded 'high risk' because she previously suffered from 'significant issues with alcohol'. The force also said that a police response car, staffed by officers and health professionals, attended a report of concern at Nicola's home on January 10. Zoe said: "I'm deeply troubled that such sensitive information has been released by the force at this stage.
"I have to wonder if some in Lancashire Police are placing the protection of their reputation above their focus on finding Nicola."
Nicola's family have addressed the statement and said that Nicola suffered from 'significant side effects' during the peri menopause. They said: "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."
Nicola's family have also begged her to return home and said that her two daughters, aged nine and six 'want a cuddle'. They added: "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."
Nicola is white 5ft 3ins tall and has light brown shoulder-length hair. She speaks with an Essex accent.
She was last seen wearing a long, knee length black quilted gilet with a hood and had a black Engelbert Strauss coat underneath, which had long sleeves, and came down to her waist.
Nicola was also wearing long, green walking socks, that were tucked into her tight black jeans. She was also wearing size five, ankle-length, green wellies.
Her hair was tied into a ponytail and she was wearing a pale blue Fitbit.
