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TikTok has vowed to take aim at its own users who hampered search efforts for Nicola Bulley or spread cruel and unhelpful conspiracy theories online, the social media platform has confirmed.
The video sharing app's statement comes only one day after police found Bulley's body after she disappeared while walking her dog on January 27.
In the three weeks she was missing, the mum-of-two's case attracted widespread interest, with social media sleuths descending on the town in droves to look for her themselves.
Others shared hurtful conspiracy theories on TikTok as the search for Bulley's whereabouts continued.
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Social media platform TikTok has been awash with videos speculating about her disappearance - including speculation, rumours and conspiracy theories.
TikTok told the Daily Mail in a statement: "Our thoughts are with Ms Bulley's family and friends at this difficult time. We have mobilised resources to monitor the evolving conversation about this case.
"We are taking action against violations of our Community Guidelines, including removing content and accounts, and limiting the reach of some content by making it ineligible for recommendation."
Detective Superintendent Rebecca Smith said the investigation into what happened to Nicola Bulley had been obstructed by 'false information, accusations and rumours'.
She also confirmed that those who had conducted their own searches had caused headaches for police."
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She said, according to the Daily Mail: Yes, it has significantly distracted the investigation. In 29 years' police service, I've never seen anything like it.
"Some of it has been quite shocking and really hurtful to the family.
"Obviously, we can't disregard anything and we've reviewed everything that's come in, but of course, it has distracted us significantly."
Rachel Lang