Home Secretary demands police explain “concerning” decision to reveal missing woman’s private life

HomeNewsHome Secretary demands police explain "concerning" decision to reveal missing woman's private...

Lancashire Police explained to the Home Office and referred itself to the police watchdog after it was revealed that the mother-of-two had previously struggled with alcoholism and perimenopause.

The home secretary has demanded an “explanation” from the police regarding the decision to reveal personal information about Nicola Bulley.

A source close to Suella Braverman said she was “concerned” by Lancashire Police’s disclosure of the missing mother-of-personal two’s information, which included the fact that she had “significant alcohol issues” that had resurfaced in recent months.

ALSO READ: Friend defends Nicola Bulley over police sharing alcohol struggles

Home Secretary demands police explain “concerning” decision to reveal missing woman’s private life. The Home Office stated that it was receiving regular updates from the force and received an explanation on Thursday as to “why personal information about Nicola was briefed out at this stage of the investigation.”

Lancashire Police has also referred its contact with the 45-year-old woman before her disappearance on January 27 to the relevant watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

On Friday, it will have been three weeks since she disappeared while walking her dog along the River Wyre in Lancashire.

Family’s request to end “appalling” rumors

Ms. Bulley’s relatives asked the public to stop the “appalling” level of speculation and “rumors” about her private life before the home secretary’s intervention.

In addition, they discussed the “significant” side effects she experienced during perimenopause.

In a statement distributed by the police force, the family made it clear that the police “know the truth about Nikki.”

ALSO READ: Nicola Bulley’s family blames stopping menopause drugs for health crisis

According to them, Ms. Bulley suffered from brain fog and disturbed sleep, and she stopped taking hormone replacement drugs, which are commonly used to treat menopausal symptoms because they gave her “intense headaches.”

The force initially refused to elaborate on the “vulnerabilities” that made Ms. Bulley a high-risk missing person, but later stated her medical and mental health issues.

On 10 January, it was also reported that a response vehicle staffed by police and health professionals “responded to a report of concern for her welfare” at her residence.

Andrew Snowden, the Conservative police and crime commissioner for Lancashire, stated that the force was being “as transparent as possible” after receiving criticism for revealing the information.

Officers acknowledged that it was unusual to reveal such personal information about a missing person, but stated that they wished to clarify what they meant by “vulnerabilities.”

Ms. Bulley’s family stated that the public’s attention “must be on finding her” rather than “speculating wildly about her personal life,” before issuing a direct plea for her to return.

They said, “Your girls want a cuddle.”

READ MORE: