Missing Mum’s Health Issues Resurface, Police Reveal

HomeNewsMissing Mum's Health Issues Resurface, Police Reveal

It follows a press conference held earlier today in which police revealed they were treating Nicola as a “high-risk” missing person due to her “vulnerabilities.”

Police investigating missing person Nicola Bulley have revealed that the mother’s health problems have “recently resurfaced.”

Tonight, Lancashire Police stated: “Sadly, it is evident from speaking with Paul and the family that Nicola has struggled with alcohol abuse in the past due to her ongoing menopause-related difficulties, and that these issues have resurfaced in recent months. This created significant difficulties for Paul and his family.”

Earlier today, at a press conference, police revealed that they were treating Nicola as a “high-risk” missing person due to her “vulnerabilities.”

Assistant Chief Constable Peter Lawson (L) and Get. Supt. Rebecca Smith

In a statement update, they added: “We have described how Nicola had some vulnerabilities at the time of her disappearance, and we would like to elaborate.

ALSO READ: Cops reveal missing mum Nicola Bulley’s ‘vulnerabilities’ during high-risk disappearance

“Sadly, it is evident from speaking with Paul and the family that Nicola has struggled with alcohol abuse in the past due to her ongoing menopause-related difficulties, and that these issues have resurfaced in recent months. This created significant difficulties for Paul and his family.

“On January 10, a response car staffed by both police and health professionals responded to a report of concern for Nicola’s welfare at her residence. This incident has not resulted in any arrests, but it is being investigated.

“It is unusual for us to go into such depth about someone’s private life, but we felt it was important to clarify what we meant by “vulnerabilities” to prevent further speculation or misunderstanding.

“We have explained to the family of Nicola why we have released this additional information, and we respectfully request that their privacy be respected during this difficult time.”

Lancashire Police stated today in a public update that they have been “inundated” with calls since the disappearance of the mortgage advisor on the morning of January 27.

Nicola vanished while walking along the River Wyre in St. Michael’s on Wyre, Lancashire.

ALSO READ: New Evidence in Nicola Bulley Case: Stained Glove Found

Partner Paul Ansell alerted Detective Superintendent Rebecca Smith to the mother’s “vulnerabilities,” which resulted in a swift assessment of her “risk level” as “high.”

During a press conference with Assistant Chief Constable Peter Lawson, she stated that, out of respect for Nicola’s family and the “unimaginable pain and distress” they are experiencing, she would not discuss the vulnerabilities in greater detail.

She stated, “In any investigation involving a missing person, it is customary to gather as much information as possible about the subject at an early stage, as we did with Paul.

“I will not discuss the specifics of these individual vulnerabilities. I’ve asked you to respect the family, who are currently experiencing unimaginable pain and distress.

ALSO READ: Search for Missing Nicola Bulley Intensifies with Focus on Anglers

“However, these vulnerabilities were the basis for our decision to classify Nicola as high risk, and they have remained an integral part of my investigation throughout.”

Nicola is considered a “high-risk” subject because, according to force guidelines, the police believe she faces a high probability of suffering serious harm.

During the press conference, it was revealed that 40 detectives were working on the ongoing investigation and that 1,500 pieces of evidence had been collected.

During their ongoing investigation, Lancashire Police have visited 300 locations, spoken with over 300 individuals, and received 150 dashcam submissions – none of which depict Nicola after she dropped her children off at school.

After dropping them off, she walked Willow, the family dog, down to the River Wyre in St. Michael’s on Wyre, a “routine” action according to the police.