TikTok has released a statement warning users that they do not tolerate bullying or harassment following the tragic news of Nicola Bulley's death. The social video platform has faced backlash after TikTokers took it upon themselves to launch their own searches for the mother-of-two who went missing for 23 days in St Michael's on Wyre.
Despite being told to stay away from the investigation by police, TikTok sleuths sparked fury after vilifying some of Nicola's family members and even digging up woodland close to where the 45-year-old disappeared. Officers sadly recovered a body from the River Wyre on Sunday and formally identified it as the mother-of-two yesterday evening, the Manchester Evening News reports.
Her family issued a statement regarding their heartbreak and slamming the 'press and public' for their 'shameful' invasions of privacy throughout the investigation. Nicola's family have asked the media to 'leave us alone now' as they thanked the community and their friends for their support.
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."
A TikTok 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."
Paying tribute to Nicola during a press conference earlier, a statement was read out on behalf of the family which said Nikki was 'the centre of our world' and criticised press and members of the public for 'misquoting and vilifying' grieving friends and family.
The statement continued: "We tried last night to take in what we had been told in the day, only to have Sky News and ITV making contact with us directly when we expressly asked for privacy. They again, have taken it upon themselves to run stories about us to sell papers and increase their own profits.
"It is shameful they have acted in this way. Leave us alone now. Do the press and other media channels and so called professionals not know when to stop?
"These are our lives and our children's lives. To those who genuinely helped and supported us privately, thank you.
"The community support in St Michael's - friends, neighbours, and strangers - has been nothing short of comforting and heartwarming. Friends, you know who you are, thank you.
"Our hearts truly break for others who are missing loved ones. Keep that hope alive. Finally, Nikki. You are no longer a missing person, you have been found, we can let you rest now.
"We love you, always have and always will. We will take it from here."
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