Police investigating the disappearance of a Northamptonshire mother have said they are confident she is ‘alive and well’ - despite being unable to trace her.
Nicola Spain went missing from her home in Kettering earlier this week and despite a high-profile campaign for help from friends and family on social networking site Facebook, she has still not been found.
Concerns have been growing for her safety and friends of Nicola had accused Northamptonshire Police, who did not put out an appeal to try to trace her, of not taking the case seriously enough.
Katrina Baker posted on the police’s facebook page to say: “I think it’s disgraceful that nothing’s been placed on here about Nicola, as a community that cares so much you should have at least released something. It shouldn’t be down to friends sharing over Facebook.”
Following a number of comments from members of the public, police released a statement through their Facebook site today to give an update to the investigation and to explain their handling of the case.
A spokesman for the county force said: “In response to questions about missing person Nicola Spain, the officer in the case would like to reassure family and friends that a thorough investigation has been progressed.
“As a result of this investigation, we are now satisfied that Nicola is alive and well although we are still seeking to locate her.
“A number of people have questioned why Northamptonshire Police has not issued a proactive appeal in respect of Nicola.
“There are many considerations an investigating officer on a missing person enquiry has to take into account before making a decision as to how extensively an appeal for information should be publicised and, on this basis, a proactive appeal was not thought necessary in this case.”