Nicola Bulley’s Disappearance Sparks Media Frenzy and Conspiracy Theories

Paul Ansell, partner of Nicola Bulley, has described the intense online fixation surrounding her disappearance as a “monster” that spiraled out of control. Initially, the family appreciated the public interest following the disappearance of Ms. Bulley in Lancashire, but it quickly attracted amateur social media sleuths who spread misleading claims about the case, leading to online abuse directed at the family.

In an interview with the BBC, Ansell noted, “I think anything like that is a double-edged sword. That’s the problem. You’re poking a monster.”

Nicola Bulley, aged 45, disappeared on January 27, 2023, while walking her dog along the River Wyre in St Michael’s on Wyre, having just dropped her two daughters off at school. Her body was discovered in the river on February 19, and a June 2023 inquest concluded that she had died due to accidental drowning.

A BBC documentary, titled “The Search For Nicola Bulley,” examines the media treatment of the case and the role played by internet sleuths. The documentary hears from Lancashire Police and Ms. Bulley’s family, describing the emotional toll on the family, particularly on Ansell and the couple’s daughters.

Ansell described facing direct messages from strangers, with accusations and threats suggesting he was involved in his partner’s disappearance. This period was compounded by “nightmare” speculation that proliferated online.

Lancashire Police disclosed during a news conference that Ms. Bulley had experienced significant issues with alcohol linked to menopause struggles, information the family later indicated was “avoidable and unnecessary.”

A report by the independent College of Policing declared that the missing persons investigation was well-conducted but criticized the breakdown in communication between police and media, which led to an uncontrolled public narrative and rampant speculation.

The police were critical of the roles played by social media, where TikTok users, among others, turned into “private detectives” spreading false information and rumors. The release of personal details and the resultant media coverage have led to calls for rebuilding trust between police forces and the public.

The documentary “The Search For Nicola Bulley” is scheduled to air on BBC One on October 3 at 9 p.m. BST, with availability on BBC iPlayer.