Review into the handling of Nicola Bulley's disappearance to be published in the Autumn

The mum from Chelmsford was missing for three weeks before her body was found in the River Wyre

Author: Louisa KingPublished 9th May 2023

The independent review into Lancashire Police's handling of the Nicola Bulley case has begun, the county's police and crime commissioner has said.

The force came under heavy criticism after the 45-year-old's body was pulled from the River Wyre in Lancashire on February 19, more than three weeks after she was last seen on January 27.

Conservative PCC Andrew Snowden said the College of Policing's review will have three areas of focus - the operational response to the high-risk missing person investigation, press engagement and decision-making surrounding disclosure of sensitive personal information.

The review's findings and recommendations are set to be made public in the Autumn.

Also the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) will not be taking any enforcement action against Lancashire Police over its disclosure of missing mother Nicola Bulley's personal information, the force has said.

In an update issued on Tuesday, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) also said its investigation into an officer's contact with Ms Bulley prior to her disappearance identified two areas of learning.

MPs and campaign groups voiced their disapproval after police elected to put elements of her private life into the public domain during the search - including her struggles with alcohol and perimenopause.

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