'Procedures to identify the body are ongoing. We are currently treating the death as unexplained.'
At a press conference on Wednesday, detective superintendent Smith criticised the press and public for"misconstruing" her statement that her"main hypothesis" was that Nicola had fallen in the river.
At the same press conference, Lancashire Police said social media sleuths and"TikTokers playing private detectives" near the scene had distracted search efforts. Detective Superintendent Smith said investigating officers have been"inundated with false information, accusations and rumours" relating to the case.
The force also chose to reveal that Nicola was deemed"high risk" due to"vulnerabilities" she had. Whilst they declined to give more information about this at the time out of respect for the privacy of the family, it was later revealed that she had alcohol issues as a result of struggles with the menopause.
Lancashire Police has since been roundly criticised for the decision to reveal this private information, with many wondering what point this served in regards to the case and accusing the police of trying to shift the focus away from them.Lancashire police to be questioned over Nicola Bulley caseRelated links:
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