Lancashire Police Slammed for Revealing Nikki Bulley’s Private Struggles
Lancashire Police are under fire after disclosing that missing mum Nicola ‘Nikki’ Bulley had “significant issues with alcohol,” linked to menopausal symptoms. The revelation, made public before her death was confirmed, has sparked outrage among experts, MPs, and campaigners.
Experts Blast Police for Withholding Key Info from Search Team
Peter Faulding, diving expert leading the search, slammed the force for not sharing Nikki’s alcohol struggles earlier. He told The Times this info would have dramatically changed his search plans along the River Wyre in St Michael’s.
“I find it absolutely outrageous that this was not shared with me,” said Faulding. “It’s disgraceful, and someone must take responsibility.”
He suggested Nikki might have entered the water at a different location or could still be in the area on foot. The river’s strong current means she could have been swept downstream or even out to sea.
Public Outrage Over Police’s ‘Invasion of Privacy’
The force’s decision to reveal intimate medical details, including Nikki’s menopausal and alcohol struggles, ignited a backlash. Labour MP Stella Creasy called it “deeply troubling” and demanded clarity on how the information aids the investigation.
“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 absolutely outrageous,” she said.
Campaign group Big Brother Watch slammed the police for a “serious invasion of privacy.” Meanwhile, voices on social media argue the move highlights police failings in handling women’s cases, citing recent scandals involving former officers.
Investigation Continues as Nikki’s Family Endures Agony
Nicola Bulley, 45, vanished on January 27 while walking her dog. Lancashire Police labelled her disappearance ‘high risk’ due to “vulnerabilities” disclosed by her partner Paul Ansell.
Detective Superintendent Rebecca Smith defended the grading and said over 300 locations have been searched, nearly 300 people interviewed, and around 1,500 pieces of information assessed. No arrests have been made, and the investigation remains open.
Mark Williams-Thomas, famed for exposing Jimmy Savile, is now on the case and suggests the truth could lie beyond previous police theories.
“If police dealt with this as high risk from day one, it would have saved confusion, public hysteria, and less hurt to the family,” Williams-Thomas tweeted.
The police maintain their “working hypothesis” that Nikki fell into the river while out walking but have not ruled out all possibilities. The search continues amid intense public interest and growing calls for transparency and respect for privacy.
