Nicola Bulley’s family statement in full as they release more information about mum’s health and beg ‘we need you back’

NICOLA Bulley's family today released an emotional statement with fresh information about the missing mum's health.

The dog walker, 45, disappeared after dropping her children off at school in St Michael's on Wyre, Lancashire, on Friday January 27.

Yesterday cops said the mum-of-two had "significant issues with alcohol" as a result of menopause.

Today her family has spoken out for the first time since the claims were made.

They revealed she suffered significant side effects brought on by the perimenopause before she disappeared.

And they issued a desperate plea to the missing mum to come home for her daughters.

Here is the family's statement in full...

"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 and Paul’s private life.

"As a family, we were aware beforehand that Lancashire Police, last night, released a statement with some personal details about our Nikki.

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

"Despite what some media outlets and individuals are suggesting, we are being updated daily and receive support from our family liaison officers.

"Nikki is such a wonderful daughter, sister , partner and mother and is missed dearly - we all need you back in our lives.

"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.

"You can reach out to us, or you can contact MissingPeople.org.uk.  Don’t be scared, we all love you so very much."