Nicola Bulley police will not face enforcement action after it revealed missing mother was suffering from ‘significant alcohol issues’ brought on by ‘ongoing struggles with the menopause’

• Nicola Bulley, 45, vanished on January 27 in St Michael’s on Wyre, Lancashire
• Lancashire Police have been cleared by one investigation but still face other 

Police who searched for missing Nicola Bulley and then released her medical information have been cleared by two investigations – but face another probe.

The Information Commissioner’s Office will not be taking any enforcement action against Lancashire Police over its disclosure Ms Bulley had suffered ‘alcohol issues’ sparked by the menopause.

Elsewhere the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) also completed its investigation and ruled out any misconduct.

But within minutes the Police and Crime Commissioner announced details of an independent review into the 999 response to her disappearance.

The review commissioned by Lancashire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Andrew Snowden is being carried out by the College of Policing.

Nicola Bulley, 45, vanished on January 27 in St Michael’s on Wyre, Lancashire, walking her dog

IOPC regional director Catherine Bates said: ‘Our investigation has identified important learning for the force in relation to the policing role in multi-agency vehicles, which aims to assist the force in their response to similar calls in the future.

‘Our thoughts remain with Ms Bulley’s family and friends, and all those affected by her death.’

The investigation also identified ‘two areas of learning’ for the officer relating to when to activate their body-worn video and recording information on police systems.

Assistant Chief Constable Sam Mackenzie said ‘We are keen to take the opportunity to learn and we welcome the independent review that the Police and Crime Commissioner has asked the College of Policing to conduct.

Ms Bulley’s long-term partner Paul Ansell sat down for a TV interview with Channel 5’s Dan Walker during the search

‘We will, of course, work with the College to identify any good and effective practice, learn lessons and provide recommendations for wider learning to police forces nationally.

‘We are also aware that the Information Commissioner’s Office have concluded their investigation into our disclosure of personal information about Nicola on February 15 and they have told us they will not be taking any enforcement action. We thank them for their careful consideration of this matter, and we welcome their decision.’

The force had also referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

It was sparked by the fact Lancashire Constabulary had contact with Ms Bulley on Jan 10 before she was reported missing.

ACC Mackenzie added: ‘The IOPC investigators focussed on the actions of one officer and have now completed their investigation and found no misconduct or wrongdoing.

‘Whilst we do have some procedural learning it is important to note that our attendance was in support of an ambulance deployment and that the officer dealt with Nicola with compassion and empathy putting her care at the forefront of his decision making on that day.

‘It is important to stress that this IOPC investigation related solely to contact with Nicola on January 10 and NOT to the wider missing from home investigation.

‘Our thoughts remain with Nicola’s loved ones at this time.’

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