Nicola Bulley latest as family release statement detailing missing mum's health struggles

The family of missing mum Nicola Bulley have released a statement as the police search approaches its third week.

Ms Bulley disappeared in the early hours of Friday, January 27 while walking her pet dog Willow near the River Wyre after dropping her two daughters off at school. Her phone, still connected to a work call for her job as a mortgage adviser, was discovered just over 20 minutes later on a bench overlooking the riverbank, with her dog running loose.

Ms Bulley's family said they "believe that the public focus has become distracted from finding Nikki, and more about speculation and rumours into her private life."

They have also provided more details about Nicola's health before she went missing - saying she suffered with significant side effects due to the peri-menopause.

Read more: Nicola Bulley latest updates as police slammed over decision to say missing mum had issues with alcohol

In a statement issued by Lancashire Police, the family said: "It has now been three weeks since Nikki went missing. We, as a family, believe that the public focus has become distracted from finding Nikki, and more about speculation and rumours into her private life.

“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 statement adds: "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.

"The headaches