PRESSURE ON COPS
Nicola Bulley cops probed in two major reviews over welfare check days before she vanished and release of personal info
COPS in charge of the botched search for tragic Nicola Bulley are to face two major reviews into their handling of the case.
The College of Policing was asked to begin a "full and independent review" into the bungled three-week search for the mum-of-two.
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Their probe is likely to examine why police disclosed painfully personal details of Nicola's struggle with alcohol and the menopause.
In a separate development, the police watchdog said it had begun a probe into a "welfare check" done at Nicola's home just days before she vanished.
No one was arrested during the incident.
The dramatic announcements were delivered within 45 minutes of one another amid growing criticism over Lancashire Police's flawed hunt.
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An Independent Office for Police Conduct spokesman said: "Following a referral by Lancashire Constabulary on Thursday, we have started an independent investigation regarding contact the force had with Nicola Bulley on January 10, 2023.
"We were notified by the force that an officer attended the family home on that date as part of a welfare check.
"Our thoughts are with Ms Bulley's family and friends, and all of those affected by her death.
"Our investigation is in its very early stages."
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Lancashire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Andrew Snowden today further revealed he had asked the College of Policing to carry out a “full, independent review” into the handling of the case.
The force has since said it “welcomes" the independent review, which will focus on the investigation and search, communication and public engagement, and the releasing of personal information.
Mr Snowden said it was being held because "there are questions that, quite rightly, members of the public and across different political spectrums want to have answered about the search, the investigation and around the release of information".
"My job is to hold the police to account for providing an efficient and effective policing service... and now that the investigation and search is concluded it is right we ask those questions around why that information was released and make sure that is properly reviewed," he added.
The update comes after the force revealed Nicola had "vulnerabilities" at the time she went missing.
These included "significant issues with alcohol" in the past that were brought on by her "ongoing struggles with the menopause".
Nicola's struggles had resurfaced over recent months, police confirmed.
A statement added: "This caused some real challenges for Paul and the family.
"As a result of those issues, a response car staffed by both police and health professionals attended a report of concern for welfare at Nicola’s home address on January 10th.
"No one has been arrested in relation to this incident, but it is being investigated."
Officers have defended their decision to release the personal information after being slammed by MPs and former cops.
Home Secretary has ordered the force to explain why the details and Rishi Sunak said he had "concerns".
Nicola was discovered on the banks of the River Wyre on Sunday - 23 days after she vanished.
She was found by two dog walkers less than a mile from where she was last seen.
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An inquest opened and adjourned into her death today confirmed she had to be identified by dental records.
Questions are now mounting over how police failed to find Nicola despite a "hugely complex and highly emotional" search.
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