Social video platform TikTok has released a statement saying they do not tolerate bullying or harassment following the confirmation of Nicola Bulley's sad death this evening.
The video sharing site has faced criticism after TikTokers took it upon themselves to hunt for the mother-of-two, who went missing in St Michael's on Wyre on January 27, despite being told to stay away by Lancashire Police.
Officers recovered a body from the River Wyre yesterday (Sunday February 19), before formally identifying it as Nicola's this evening. Her family issued a statement speaking of their heartbreak, and slamming 'press and public' for breaches of privacy throughout the investigation.
READ MORE: Nicola Bulley's family issue statement after police confirm body is missing mum
TikTok sleuths sparked fury after filming themselves digging up woodland close to where Nicola disappeared, prompting warnings from police.
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, her family said she was 'the centre of our world' and blasted press and members of the public for 'misquoting and vilifying' friends and family.
"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 said in a statement.
"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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