The Home Secretary has demanded an 'explanation' from Lancashire Police as to why aspects of missing Nicola Bulley’s private life were disclosed at a press conference, a source close to Suella Braverman said.
Ms Braverman was reportedly 'concerned' after officers revealed the mum-of-two suffered 'some significant issues with alcohol' in the past, which had resurfaced over recent months. Police also disclosed that the 45-year-old had 'ongoing struggles' with the menopause.
According to a source close to the Home Secretary, she received an explanation from police on Thursday evening, the PA news agency reports. The Home Office also said it was receiving regular updates from the force about its handling of the case – including 'why personal details about Nicola was briefed out at this stage of the investigation'.
Lancashire Police have referred themselves to the Independent Office for Police Conduct over the contact the force had with Nicola 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.
The referral came after her family called for an end into speculation about her private life. In a statement issued by Lancashire Police, the family said: "It has now been three weeks since Nikki went missing.
"We, as a family, believe that the public focus has become distracted from finding Nikki, and more about speculation and rumours into her private life. As a family, we were aware that Lancashire Police, last night, released a statement with some personal details.
"Although we know that Nikki would not have wanted this, there are people out there threatening to sell stories about her. This is appalling and needs to stop."
The statement added: "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.
"The headaches 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.
"Despite what some media outlets are suggesting, we are being updated daily & receive support from our family liaison officers. 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 https://orlo.uk/tZ3Xo Don’t be scared, we all love you so very much."
After police disclosed the details on Nicola's private life, they were strongly condemned by MPs and campaign groups. The Conservative police and crime commissioner for Lancashire, Andrew Snowden, said the force were being 'as transparent as they can be' following the press conference.
Nicola vanished after dropping off her daughters, aged six and nine, at school on January 27 in St Michael’s on Wyre, Lancashire. She was last seen at 9.10am taking her usual route with her springer spaniel Willow, alongside the River Wyre.
Her phone, still connected to a work call for her job as a mortgage adviser, was found just over 20 minutes later on a bench overlooking the riverbank, with her dog running loose. At 10.50am, Nicola's family, her partner Paul Ansell and the school attended by her children were told about her disappearance.
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