Chinese social media platform TikTok has issued a statement after its users were criticised for interfering in the investigation into the disappearance of mum of two Nicola Bulley, 45. Ms Bulley’s body was pulled from the River Wyre in Lancashire on Sunday after the 45-year-old was last seen on January 27.
She had been walking her dog in St Michael’s on Wyre after dropping her daughters, aged six and nine, at school. Throughout the case, police had criticised social media users flocking to the area where Nicola went missing to film videos for their fans. Some were dispersed or even arrested and fined by police.
Some filmed themselves digging at potential 'grave sites' in nearby woods, others 'found' evidence police then had to examine and discount.
On Saturday, before Nicola's body was found, 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."
In a statement after Nicola was found, her family said: "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."
At a press conference at Lancashire Constabulary’s HQ on Wednesday, the force said “TikTokers have been playing private detectives” near the scene of the 45-year-old’s disappearance.
Detective Superintendent Rebecca Smith said investigating officers had been “inundated with false information, accusations and rumours” relating to the case.
Assistant Chief Constable Peter Lawson and Detective Superintendent Rebecca Smith, of Lancashire Police, update the media on the search for Nicola Bulley (Peter Powell/PA)
Asked if “social media video-makers and wannabe detectives have been an annoyance or a hindrance in the inquiry”, she said: “Yes, it has significantly distracted the investigation.
“In 29 years’ police service I’ve never seen anything like it. Some of it’s been quite shocking and really hurtful 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.”
A TikTok spokesperson said: "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."
They added: "We have mobilised resources to monitor the evolving conversation about this case. We are taking action against violations of our Community Guidelines, including removing content and accounts, and limiting the reach of some content by making it ineligible for recommendation."
