Police searching for missing Nicola Bulley admit social media sleuths and ‘TikTokers playing private detective’ have distracted their investigation
Social media sleuths have ‘distracted’ the Nicola Bulley investigation, police said yesterday.
At a press conference at Lancashire Constabulary’s headquarters, the force said ‘TikTokers have been playing private detective’ near the scene of the 45-year-old’s disappearance.
Detective Superintendent Rebecca Smith revealed that investigating officers had been ‘inundated with false information, accusations and rumours’ relating to the case.
Detective Superintendent Rebecca Smith revealed that investigating officers had been ‘inundated with false information, accusations and rumours’ relating to the case
Asked if ‘social media video-makers and wannabe detectives have been an annoyance or a hindrance in the inquiry’, she said: ‘Yes, it has significantly distracted the investigation.
‘In 29 years’ police service, I’ve never seen anything like it.’
She added: ‘Some of it’s been quite shocking and really hurtful to the family.
‘Obviously, we can’t disregard anything and we’ve reviewed everything that’s come in, but of course it has distracted us significantly.’
It comes after Wyre Council revealed it had removed councillors’ contact details from its website due to ‘inappropriate emails and phone calls’ about Ms Bulley’s disappearance.