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16th Feb 2023

Police call out TikTokers covering Nicola Bulley case who have “distracted significantly” the investigation

Ellen Fitzpatrick

“I have never seen anything like it.”

Police investigating the case of missing mum of two Nicola Bulley have claimed that TikToker users and other social media enjoyers have “distracted significantly” from the work being done.

Speaking in a press conference on Wednesday at Lancashire Constabulary’s Head Quarters, Detective Super Intendant Rebecca Smith was asked if “‘social media video-makers and wannabe detectives have been an annoyance or a hindrance during the investigation.”

Replying, Smith said: “Yes it has significantly distracted the investigation. In 29 years of police service, I have never seen anything like it. Some of it has been quite shocking and hateful 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.”

Nicola has been missing since January 27th after she went for a walk with her dog Willow and has not been seen or heard from since.

Her disappearance has sparked an array of videos being created on social media of crime fans detailing the case and providing their own theories as to what has happened.

Smith added that due to this the police have been “inundated with false information, accusations and rumours”, noting that many users have mentioned a glove found close to where she was last seen and have since revealed it did not belong to her.

Smith said: “In terms of the glove that has been recovered, you’ll no doubt be aware that TikTokers have been playing their own private detectives and have been in the area.

“A glove has been recovered that is not believed to be relevant to the investigation. It is not Nicola’s, but we have got that in our possession.”