Police say a number of “persistent myths” continue to circulate following the disappearance of Nicola Bulley.
Ms Bulley disappeared while walking her springer spaniel, Willow, in the village of St Michael’s on Wyre after she dropped her two daughters – aged six and nine – at school on January 27.
Lancashire Police say they are being “inundated with false information, accusations and rumours” about the case which is “distracting” them.
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, senior investigating officer Detective Superintendent Rebecca Smith said: “We’re really grateful to members of the public for ringing in to the inquiry, we wouldn’t have got this far without everyone’s help.
“But it’s also really obvious that we are being inundated with false information, accusations and rumours which is distracting us from our work.”
She also said the speculation has been “affecting” Ms Bulley’s family.
Here are the “persistent myths” referred to during the press conference:
-Derelict house
There has been speculation about a derelict house on the other side of the River Wyre.
However, Ms Smith said it has been searched three times, with the permission of the owner, and Ms Bulley was not there.
-Red van
Reports from witnesses described seeing a red van they considered to be suspicious in the area around the time Ms Bulley went missing.
Police say they are continuing to make enquiries to try to track down the van, but it is not believed to be suspicious.
Ms Smith added: “We are continuing to investigate that so that we can identify whoever was in the area at that time to make sure they can’t give us more information.”
-Fisherman
There have also been reports of fisherman seen in the area on the morning of Ms Bulley’s disappearance, who were described as suspicious.
Ms Smith said: “I myself don’t find it suspicious that fisherman would be in the area of a river that morning or carrying fishing rods.”
However, officers have checked CCTV, contacted local angling clubs and appealed for information, following a witness report about a fisherman in the area supposedly trying to cover his face.
-Glove
Police say a glove found in the area does not belong to Ms Bulley.
Ms Smith said: “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.”
-Caravan site
Rumours have circulated about CCTV at a nearby caravan site not working.
Lancashire Police says this is not the case and officers have been helped “beyond all belief” by owners of the site.
