Social media platform TikTok has released a statement condemning bullying and harassment this evening, after police confirmed that Nicola Bulley's body was pulled from the River Wyre yesterday afternoon (February 19).
Nicola went missing on the morning of January 27, after dropping off her two daughters, aged nine and six, at school in St Michael's, Lancashire.
Her disappearance led to a widespread investigation, with helicopters, specialist diving teams, and drones all involved in retracing the steps of the 45-year-old mortgage advisor.
Read more: Police identify body pulled from River Wyre as missing mum Nicola Bulley
The Mirror reports however, that the investigation turned ghoulish at times when TikTokers headed to the small village to carry out their own searches, despite being told to stay away by Lancashire Police. Over the weekend, TikTok sleuths sparked fury by filming themselves digging up woodland close to where Nicola went missing.
Two people posted a TikTok video of themselves searching woodland close to the River Wyre, just days after senior police officers urged people to stay away from the area. On Saturday, local council chief Michael Vincent said: "It's almost as though social media idiocy and reality have become blurred.
"We've had these weirdos, these ghouls, trying people's door handles, peering through their windows. There has to be an element of decency. We can't allow social media to be a place where there is no morality."
The video was posted online and showed a man digging up the soil as the other filmed him while commenting on Nicola’s disappearance. Following wide criticism about TikTokers during the investigation, a spokesperson said tonight: "Our thoughts are with Ms Bulley's family and friends at this difficult time.
"We do not tolerate bullying or harassment on TikTok and remove content that violates our policies."
Tonight, Lancashire Police tragically confirmed that Nicola was found dead in the river yesterday - and her family released a statement saying they are heartbroken. They described Nicola as "the centre of our world" adding they would "never be able to comprehend what Nikki had gone through in her last moments and that will never leave us."
Read next:
- Nicola Bulley police statement in full as body pulled from river near where mum went missing
- Nicola Bulley's final three conversations before missing mum vanished shared by police
- Nicola Bulley latest as police say there is still 'no evidence' of third-party involvement
- Nicola Bulley's sister makes urgent plea as widespread search for missing mum continues
- Nicola Bulley: Former DCI says seven key questions must be answered
