Missing woman Nicola Bulley suffered with ‘some significant issues with alcohol’, Lancashire Police say

Missing mother-of-two Nicola Bulley had suffered “some significant issues with alcohol” in the past which had “resurfaced”, Lancashire Police has said in a statement.

The 45-year-old went missing while on a dog walk by the River Wyre on January 27.

Lancashire Police said that Ms Bulley was “vulnerable” and classed by police as a “high-risk” missing person immediately after her partner reported her disappearance.

In a statement released by a spokesperson for Lancashire Police, following a press conference on Wednesday morning, it said the force felt it was “important to clarify” what was meant about Ms Bulley’s vulnerabilities to “avoid further speculation and misinterpretation”.

The force added: “Sadly, it is clear from speaking to Paul and the family that Nicola had in the past suffered with some significant issues with alcohol which were brought on by her ongoing struggles with the menopause and that these struggles had resurfaced over recent months. This caused some real challenges for Paul and the family.”

Police said that officers along with health professionals were called to a concern for welfare at her home last month on January 10.

No arrests were made in relation to the incident however it is being investigated.

The spokesperson concluded: “We have explained to Nicola’s family why we have released this further information and we would ask that their privacy is respected at this difficult time.”