16 February 2023 , 17:53
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The force investigating the disappearance of Nicola Bulley has referred itself to an independent police watchdog over contact it had with the missing mum before she vanished.
Lancashire Police have come under fire for releasing sensitive information about the 45-year-old who disappeared on January 27.
After revealing in a press conference yesterday the mortgage adviser had "vulnerabilities", the constabulary took the unprecedented step to disclose exactly what they were hours later.
In a statement issued last night, Nicola was said to have previously suffered "significant" issues with alcohol brought on by the menopause.
Missing mum Nicola Bulley (PA)It added that these problems had recently resurfaced and police were called to her address in Inskip 17 days before her disappearance following reports of concerns for her welfare.
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No arrests were made but the incident is still under investigation.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct said earlier today it had contacted the force "to determine if a referral to the IOPC may be required”.
This was in relation to "information that was made public" in the case.
Assistant Chief Constable Peter Lawson and Get. Supt. Rebecca Smith in yesterday's press briefing (Julian Hamilton/Daily Mirror)The watchdog has since said: “This afternoon (Thursday 16 February) 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 Home Office has said it is receiving "regular updates" from Lancashire Police "on its handling of this case".
Police search a caravan site near a bench where Nicola's phone was found (Julian Hamilton/Daily Mirror)A spokesperson for the government department said: “Our thoughts are with Nicola Bulley’s family at this incredibly difficult time.
“The Home Secretary and Policing Minister are receiving regular updates from Lancashire Police on its handling of this case, including why personal details about Nicola was briefed out at this stage of the investigation.”
Nicola's family have said they were aware police were going to release the personal details.
In a statement released today they said the feared the "public focus has become distracted from finding Nikki, and more about speculation and rumours into her and Paul's private life".
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