Vile speculation hurtful to Nicola Bulley's family, friend says

Key Facts

Image source, Police handout Image caption, Nicola Bulley disappeared while walking her dog near the River Wyre in Lancashire A friend of a missing mum who vanished on a dog walk has said "vile theories" being shared online are "incredibly hurtful" for her family, as police condemn social media abuse.
Media caption, Heather Gibbons says some speculation is "incredibly, incredibly hurtful" Ms Bulley's disappearance has drawn a lot of attention on social media with thousands of people commenting on the ongoing search, many sending their love and prayers to her family and wishing her home safely.
Image source, PA Media Image caption, Searches of the River Wyre are continuing for the ninth day A Lancashire Police statement said: "The speculation and abuse on social media aimed at some people who are merely assisting our inquiry on social media is totally unacceptable.
- 08:53 - Ms Bulley sent an email to her boss 09:01 - She logged on to a Teams call 09:10 - A witness, who knows Ms Bulley, saw her on the upper field walking with Willow 09:20 - Police inquiries suggest her phone was on the bench 09:30 - The Teams call ended but her phone remains logged in * About 09:35 - Ms Bulley's mobile phone and Willow were found at a riverside bench Why not follow BBC North West on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram?