Nicola Bulley's family slam 'appalling' speculation and say 'this needs to stop'
The family of missing Nicola Bulley have hit out at the "speculation and rumours into her private life," which they claim are overshadowing the search for the mum of two.
The mortgage adviser, 45, was last seen on January 27 while walking her springer spaniel Willow in the village of St Michael's on the Wyre in Lancashire.
Nicola's family released a statement earlier today in response to a press conference held yesterday by Lancashire Police in which it was revealed that she was deemed a "high-risk" missing person.
The force was criticised for later disclosing that the mum-of-two suffered "some significant issues with alcohol" in the past, which had resurfaced over recent months.
Police went into more detail on the missing mum of two's personal life (PA)In response, her family say the public's focus has moved on from finding Nicola to discussing her personal life.
Nicola Bulley's children 'cried their eyes out' after being told 'mummy's lost'
The statement, released through police, read: "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 and Paul's private life.
"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.
Police revealed in a press conference Nicola was seen as a high risk missing person (PA)"The police know the truth about Nikki and now the public need to focus on finding her.
"The public focus has to be on finding her and not making up wild theories about her personal life."
Earlier today ex-cop Martyn Underhill told Sky News Lancashire Police have "completely destroyed" Nicola's reputation to "protect their own" after publicising her struggles with alcohol.
Speaking to Kay Burley, Mr Underhill said: "You can understand why some people are saying it's victim blaming to protect their own reputation.
"I can't see how it progresses the case any further forward now we're three weeks in, to be frank."
Nicola Bulley with partner Paul Ansell (Facebook)
Dive teams looking for the mum in the River Wyre (Julian Hamilton/Daily Mirror)Another unhappy at the move was shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper who said she will be asking Lancashire Police to explain themselves after releasing the sensitive information about the missing mum.
Yvette Cooper said she had "quite significant concerns" about the move and would be raising the matter with Lancashire Police.
Mum appeared 'completely normal' moments before vanishing while walking dog
She said: "It's really unusual, it does raise some quite significant concerns.
"I do have a lot of questions and concerns about that.
"I'd want to speak directly to Lancashire Police about their reasons for doing so before commenting further."
Family statement in full
"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 and Paul's private life.
"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.
The family released a statement in response to the police (strava)
Nicola's family described her as a "wonderful daughter, sister, partner and mother" (strava)"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.
"Despite what some media outlets and individuals are suggesting, we are being updated daily and 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 MissingPeople.org.uk.
"Don't be scared, we all love you so very much."
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