Nicola Bulley’s family share heartbreaking plea to missing mum as they say ‘your girls want a cuddle’

NICOLA Bulley's heartbroken family have issued a desperate plea to the missing mum.

The mum-of-two, 45, vanished while walking her dog along a river in St Michael's on Wyre, Lancashire, on Friday January 27.

Since then there has been no trace of her.

Today, Nicola's family broke their silence, begging her to come home to her daughters for a "cuddle".

Speaking directly to Nicola, her family said: "Nikki, we hope you are reading this and know that we love you so much and your girls want a cuddle.

"We all need you home."

In the statement - released by Lancashire Police - the family addressed cops' claims Nicola was "high risk".

Yesterday police said she 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.

Her family said: "As a family, we were aware that Lancashire Police, last night, released a statement with some personal details.

"Although we know that Nikki would not have wanted this, there are people out there 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.

"Due to the peri menopause 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 comes after cops have been slammed by many for "destroying" the mum's reputation by revealing her menopause and issues with alcohol.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct has contacted Lancashire Constabulary to determine whether a referral is needed.

An IOPC spokesperson said: “Following information that was made public by Lancashire Constabulary yesterday, we have made contact with the force to determine if a referral to the IOPC may be required.”

It comes as...

• Police have been slammed for "destroying" Nicola Bulley's reputation
• Cops reveal ‘significant issues’ with alcohol & menopause had caused partner Paul Ansell ‘real challenges’
• Police reveal officers were called to the family home just weeks before Nicola went missing
• Follow our blog for the latest news

Broadcaster Fern Britton, 65, earlier said in a tweet: "I am uncomfortable with the latest news suggesting that Nicola Bulley has an issue with alcohol and menopause.

“The undertone is that she maybe ‘a bit unstable’ or perhaps even ‘not in her right mind.’ Too easy to write a woman off like this. What lies behind it?”

Labour MP for Walthamstow Stella Creasy also questioned the cops decision to publicly reveal the details.

She tweeted: "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.

"The police need to be much clearer as to why any of this helps find Nicola Bulley or support this investigation."

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, public hysteria, and media involvement.

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