Lancashire Police revealed in a press conference yesterday morning that missing mum Nicola Bulley had 'specific vulnerabilities' that make her 'high risk'. The force said they had been 'inundated' with unanswered questions after the 45-year-old disappeared on the morning of January 27.
The mortgage advisor was last seen walking her dog along the River Wyre path in St Michael's on Wyre, Lancashire before she mysteriously vanished without a trace. Detective Superintendent Rebecca Smith has now disclosed that Nicola was quickly graded as 'high risk' after her partner Paul Ansell made them aware of 'alcohol issues' she was facing that had been triggered by menopause.
During a press conference with Assistant Chief Constable Peter Lawson, the Dept Supt said she would not be specifying anything more about the vulnerabilities out of respect for Nicola's family who are suffering in so much 'unimaginable pain and distress'. However, police issued a statement just hours later to explain the struggles Nicola had been going through at the time she went missing.
They 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. This caused some real challenges for Paul and the family."
Missing person reports are categorised in accordance with the extremely detailed guidance given by the College of Policing. All forces are expected to comply with this advice although there is some scope for them to decide on the details of how they abide by it.
The categories range from Low Risk (where any risk to either the missing person or others is possible but minimal), through Medium Risk (where it is likely but not serious) to High Risk (where serious harm is very likely). Serious harm is defined by the Home Office as “life threatening or traumatic harm from which recovery (physical or psychological) is expected to be difficult or impossible”.
One of the most frequent criticisms of police in relation to missing person reports in recent years has been a delay in starting an investigation. Lancashire Police have been under fire for their supposed delay in inquiries but the force insists that it categorised Nicola as 'vulnerable', meaning she was high risk, very soon after she was reported missing.
In high risk cases proactive enquiries start immediately. Partner organisations are engaged, an officer of rank is brought in as investigating officer and a senior officer is involved in active oversight. When necessary, a Senior Investigating Officer is brought in and the investigation becomes very similar to a homicide investigation in terms of the resources applied.
Lancashire Police have now disclosed why Nicola Bulley was considered 'vulnerable' which may help to explain why officers have been so adamant in their working hypothesis that she ended up in the river which many others have been doubting. It also provides an explanation as to why her partner, Paul reported her missing so soon after her dog and phone had been found.
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