Police have confirmed a dispersal order is in place in missing woman Nicola Bulley's Lancashire village. It comes after reports of individuals from outside the area 'filming on social media close to properties'.
Officers said the order was issued around 8.40pm yesterday (Wednesday, February 8) in St Michael’s on Wyre, and will remain in place for 48 hours. In a statement, they said two dispersal notices were issued, and 'a number of other people' were warned about their behaviour.
Nicola Bulley disappeared after taking her dog for a walk in the Lancashire village on January 27. A huge search has now entered its 13th day, with police confirming they focusing efforts closer to the coast.
READ MORE: Nicola Bulley latest updates as search for missing mum moves towards coast
In the statement, police said they hoped the dispersal notice would give 'reassurance' that 'we will not tolerate criminality, including trespass and criminal damage.'
They also said they were 'aware' of and looking into a number of 'grossly offensive' comments made on social media regarding the disappearance.
The statement from Lancashire Police said: "We can confirm a dispersal order was issued around 8.40pm yesterday (Wednesday, February 8) in St Michael’s on Wyre.
"This followed reports of individuals – from outside the area of St Michael’s - filming on social media close to properties. The order will remain in place for 48 hours and gives officers the power to disperse anyone committing anti-social behaviour.
"Two dispersal notices were issued, and a number of other people were warned about their behaviour. We hope that will give people some reassurance that we will not tolerate criminality, including trespass and criminal damage.
"We are also aware of a number of grossly offensive comments being made on social media and elsewhere. We are looking into these and will not hesitate to take action where appropriate.
"Our investigation to the disappearance of Nicola Bulley is continuing and we continue to search areas of the River Wyre and surrounding area."
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