Nicola Bulley cops launch internal probe into handling of case as force blasted for 'deeply troubling' tactics | The Sun
COPS investigating Nicola Bulley's disappearance will conduct an internal review.
Lancashire Police have faced growing scrutiny over the handling of the mum-of-two's case, which some blasted as "deeply troubling".
The force's review will be carried out by the forces Head of Crime Detective Chief Superintendent Pauline Stables.
A spokeswoman said tonight: “A review of the investigation is diarised and will be conducted by our head of crime, Detective Chief Superintendent Pauline Stables.
"She is also PIP 4 accredited and has attended the national reviewer course."
On Wednesday, the force said Nicola had "significant issues with alcohol" as a result of menopause.
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It was also revealed officers had been called to the family's home after "a report of concern for welfare" on January 10.
These factors, partly identified by her partner Paul Ansell, meant she was classified as a high-risk missing person with several "vulnerabilities".
But the disclosure of Nicola's "vulnerabilities" sparked fury amongst politicians and officials, with Labour's Stella Creasy blasting the move as "deeply troubling".
The MP for Walthamstow added: "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."
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While Conservative MP Alicia Kearns, chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, said on Twitter: "I am deeply uncomfortable with the police releasing Nicola Bulley's so-called 'vulnerabilities' on menopause and alcohol.
"I struggle to ascertain how this will assist police in their search & investigations. I do see how it would assist those wishing to victim-blame or diminish."
Former detective inspector Martyn Underhill, who conducted a review of the investigation into the murder of Milly Dowler, told i he has been calling for a review "for two weeks".
He added: "[Lancashire Police] do seem to have lost their way, especially in terms of a media strategy."
On Thursday, Lancashire Police referred themselves to the police watchdog.
The force contacted the Independent Office for Police Conduct in regards to the incident they attended at Nicola's house three weeks before she vanished.
Nicola was last seen close to the River Wyre on January 27 with her springer spaniel Willow.
Extensive water and land searches have been carried out, but there has been sign of her since.
The mortgage adviser's family are desperate to bring her home so she can give her children a "cuddle".
They said in a statement released via the police on Thursday: "Nikki, we hope you are reading this and know that we love you so much and your girls want a cuddle."
"Don’t be scared, we all love you so very much."
While dad Ernie Bulley, 73, told Sky News: "Every day is a struggle.
"[We're] no further on from three weeks ago.
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