Nicola Bulley update as Home Secretary demands 'explanation' over police revelations

The Home Secretary has demanded an 'explanation' from Lancashire Police as to why aspects of missing Nicola Bulley’s private life were disclosed at a press conference, a source close to Suella Braverman said.

Ms Braverman was reportedly 'concerned' after officers revealed the mum-of-two suffered 'some significant issues with alcohol' in the past, which had resurfaced over recent months. Police also disclosed that the 45-year-old had 'ongoing struggles' with the menopause.

According to a source close to the Home Secretary, she received an explanation from police on Thursday evening, the PA news agency reports. The Home Office also said it was receiving regular updates from the force about its handling of the case – including 'why personal details about Nicola was briefed out at this stage of the investigation'.

READ MORE: Lancashire Police refer themselves to IOPC over contact force had with Nicola Bulley before disappearance

Lancashire Police have referred themselves to the Independent Office for Police Conduct over the contact the force had with Nicola proper to her disappearance. It was revealed that officers attended her family home in Inskip on January 10 - 17 days before she went missing, on January 27.

It was confirmed that this was a welfare visit and that no arrests were made. The police watchdog has said it is 'assessing the available information' following the referral to decide whether an investigation is required into the contact police had with Nicola earlier in January.

The referral came after her family called for an end into speculation about her private life. In a statement issued by Lancashire Police, the family said: "It has now been three weeks since Nikki went missing.

"We, as a family,