Police have referred themselves to the force watchdog over a visit officers made to missing mum Nicola Bulley's home just 17 days before her disappearance.
Nicola vanished while walking her dog Willow along the River Wyre on January 27, shortly after dropping off her two children at school. A huge search operation was launched by police, with specialist diving teams and search dogs brought in to help find the 45-year-old.
However, it has since been revealed that the force had been in contact the mum-of-two just 17 days prior to her disappearance. Officials confirmed that Nicola had been battling substance issues due to "ongoing struggles with the menopause", with officers making a welfare visit to the family home in Inskip, Lancashire, on January 10.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) released a statement today confirming that Lancashire Police had referred themselves in relation to this visit: "This afternoon we received a referral from Lancashire Constabulary regarding contact the force had with Nicola Bulley on 10 January, prior to her disappearance.
"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 developments came after the force held a press conference yesterday morning, where Assistant Chief Constable Peter Lawson and Detective Superintendent Becky Smith said Nicola was a "high risk" missing person with "specific vulnerabilities".
Officials later provided clarification on this point to "avoid speculation or misinterpretation".
A force spokesperson said "We have described how Nicola had some vulnerabilities at the time she went missing and we just wanted to expand on that a little.
"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. This caused some real challenges for Paul and the family.
"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.
Meanwhile, police are continuing their search for Nicola, with authorities working on their prime belief that she at some point entered the River Wyre.
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