Lancashire Police have branded the ‘speculation and abuse’ aimed at those assisting their investigation into Nicola Bulley‘s disappearance as ‘totally unacceptable’.

The statement followed news that a further witness had been identified in the case of the missing Inskip mum.

Police said the woman had come forward very quickly in response to a public appeal, and stressed that she was very much being treated as a witness.

A spokesperson for the force said: “Our enquiries to find Nicola are extensive and will include speaking to as many members of the public as possible.

“The speculation and abuse on social media aimed at some people who are merely assisting our enquiry is totally unacceptable.

“We would urge people to remember that we are investigating the disappearance of Nicola, and the priority is Nicola and her family. We want to find her and provide answers to her family.”

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As part of the intensive search for Nicola, officers are again asking drivers for dash cam footage from the Blackpool Road/Garstang Road area of St Michael’s on the Wyre on Friday 27 January between 9am and 10am.

The spokesperson continued: “Whilst you may not think that you hold any relevant information, it is really important that we gather as much footage as possible in the area that morning so we can review every piece meticulously to establish whether Nicola can be seen.

“We know from the footage we are currently reviewing, that this is a busy road, particularly at that time in the morning.

“There will be many people who were in that area at the time who may not think they can help. We would urge you not to make that decision yourself and to come forward so we can have as much material as possible to assist the investigation.”

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