Nicola Bulley pals blast cops after alcohol & menopause claim that has left her family ‘in a terrible place’

NICOLA Bulley's pals have blasted the cops over their alcohol and menopause claims that have left her family "in a terrible place".

The 45-year-old's friends have said the police were "bang out of order" for telling the world she suffered "vulnerabilities".

Lancashire Police yesterday revealed that the mum-of-two was as a high risk missing person after being made aware of "vulnerabilities" by her partner Paul Ansell.

In the press conference, the cops said the mum-of-two had "significant issues with alcohol" as a result of menopause.

They also revealed they'd been called to the family's home after "a report of concern for welfare" just weeks before Nicola vanished.

The cops have since been slammed by many for "destroying" the mum's reputation.

Pals of Nicola have shared their fury, too.

School-run parent Nadia Fell took to Facebook and called the police "bang out of order".

She also wrote: "I'm absolutely furious."

Another friend Ann Hodge shared her "frustration" and commented: "Couldn't agree more."

The feeling was shared by Mark Williams-Thomas.

The former police officer turned investigative journalist, who helped expose Jimmy Savile's crimes, is said to now be probing Nicola's disappearance.

He criticised the police on Twitter saying if police had "dealt with high-risk status at [the] start" it would have lead to less confusion and public hysteria.

Mark also said it would have "led to less damage" for her family, "who are right now after y/day in a terrible place".

Meanwhile, Lancashire Police today issued a statement from Nicola's family.

They said: "As a family, we were aware beforehand that Lancashire Police, last night, released a statement with some personal details about our Nikki.

"Although we know that Nikki would not have wanted this, there are people out there speculating and threatening to sell stories about her.  This is appalling and needs to stop.

"The police know the truth about Nikki and now the public need to focus on finding her.

'PLEASE COME HOME'

"Due to the perimenopause Nikki suffered with significant side effects such as brain fog, restless sleep and was taking HRT to help but this was giving her intense headaches which caused Nikki to stop taking the HRT thinking that may have helped her but only ended up causing this crisis.

"The public focus has to be on finding her and not making up wild theories about her personal life."

It came as Nicola's family left heart-wrenching messages on the bridge near where she vanished.

Her parents and sister penned notes on yellow ribbons, telling of the love they had for her, and hoping she would return home.

Nicola's parents, Ernest, 73, and Dot, 72, penned: "We pray every day for you. Love you, Mum and Dad xxx."

While sister Louise Cunningham wrote: "Nikki, please come home. I love you, Lou xxx."

Louise also took to Facebook, sharing a drawing of a woman covered in yellow hearts.

It was captioned: "Nikki you are outrageously loved."

Just days ago, Nicola's partner Paul was snapped placing his own yellow ribbon on the bridge.

The 44-year-old was one of the first to attach a bright-coloured bow to the Lancashire bridge, with many others following suit.

On it he penned: "Nikki I love you! XXXXX

"Come home now!"