16 February 2023 , 22:36
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The Home Secretary has reportedly demanded answers from police investigating the Nicola Bulley disappearance.
Lancashire Police took the unprecedented decision to release sensitive information about the missing mum nearly three weeks into its stuttering search.
Suella Braverman is said to have been receiving regular updates since mortgage adviser Nicola vanished while on a dog walk on January 27.
However, according to reports, she specifically asked the force for an explanation after it revealed the 45-year-old had suffered with "significant" alcohol issues.
These were said to have been brought on by struggles with the menopause and had recently resurfaced.
Mum appeared 'completely normal' moments before vanishing while walking dog
The constabulary's statement - which came hours after a press briefing in which Nicola was described as having "vulnerabilities" - also said officers were called to her address 17 days before she disappeared.
Nicola Bulley was last seen on January 27 (PA)They were responding to reports of concerns for her welfare, with no arrests made but an investigation ongoing.
A source close to Ms Braverman told the Daily Telegraph: “The Home Secretary was concerned by the disclosure of Nicola Bulley's personal information by Lancashire Police and asked the force for an explanation, which was received yesterday evening.”
However, the BBC reports the Home Secretary was not wholly satisfied with the force's justification.
Investigators had previously said Nicola's health was "not relevant" to the case.
Assistant Chief Constable Peter Lawson and Get. Supt. Rebecca Smith at the press briefing (Julian Hamilton/Daily Mirror)During the press conference yesterday - the first in which senior investigating officer Rebecca Smith appeared - further details on what made her 'High Risk' were batted away.
A Home Office spokesperson told the Mirror: “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.”
The search is now almost into its third week (PA)It comes after the force referred itself to an independent watchdog over the contact it had with Nicola on January 10 - prior to her going missing.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) confirmed it is now weighing up whether to launch its own investigation.
Devastated parents promise to never stop looking for mum-of-two who vanished
Nicola's family released a statement confirming they were aware police would be releasing the details though said: "Nikki would not have wanted this."
The force has received backlash, including from Labour MP Stella Creasy who said there is "no evidence that this is assisting in finding her".