16 February 2023 , 14:05
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Nicola Bulley's family has released a statement sharing new information about her health as they tell her "we need you home".
Yesterday, police held a press conference where they said for the first time that the mum-of-two was categorised as "high risk" due to "a number of specific vulnerabilities".
At the time, they did not elaborate and sparked further speculation despite trying to use the press conference to squash any unhelpful theories.
Hours later, the force stated on Facebook that Nicola "in the past suffered with some significant issues with alcohol which were brought on by her ongoing struggles with menopause".
Yellow ribbons and tributes on the bridge over the river Wyre in St Michael’s on Wyre in Lancashire (Julian Hamilton/Daily Mirror)Lancashire Police came under scrutiny following the announcement. In today's statement, Nicola's family said they were aware that these details would be made public, despite knowing "Nikki would have not wanted this".
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In the statement, Nicola's family also directly appealed to the mum, saying to "not be scared" as her girls "want a cuddle".
The family also expanded on Nicola's health to help put an end to further speculation. They described the "appalling" nature of people "threatening to sell stories" about Nicola.
The family say: "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.
Assistant Chief Constable Peter Lawson (left) and Detective Superintendent Rebecca Smith of Lancashire Police update the media on February 15 (PA)The statement also takes aim at conspiracy theories spreading misinformation saying "it needs to stop".
The family add: "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.
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"Despite what some media outlets and individuals are suggesting, we are being updated daily and receive support from our family liaison officers.
The village of St Michael's on Wyre. where Nicola went missing (PA)"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."
Yesterday's statement from the police about Nicola's health sparked fury among MPs.
Labour's Stella Creasy said: "The decision to disclose this level of detail on a missing person's private life, with no evidence that this is assisting in finding her, is deeply troubling.
"The police need to be much clearer as to why any of this helps find Nicola Bulley or support this investigation."
Conservative MP Alicia Kearns said she was "deeply uncomfortable" with the police releasing details about Ms Bulley's "so-called 'vulnerabilities' on menopause and alcohol".
"I struggle to ascertain how this will assist Police in their search & investigations," she wrote, adding, "I do see how it would assist those wishing to victim-blame or diminish."