Nicola Bulley cops put in no-fly zone over her funeral to stop sick TikTokers from filming with drones
A NO-fly zone was put in place over the church where Nicola Bulley was laid to rest – so sick TikTok sleuths couldn’t film her funeral using drones.
A small service was held on Wednesday at St Michael’s on Wyre Parish, Lancs, near to where she was last seen.
Her family wanted total privacy as they said their last goodbyes, but feared social media ghouls would try to film the funeral using drones.
A no-fly zone was put in place between 10am and 3pm on the day of Nicola’s funeral, which started at 12.30pm.
It had been requested by Lancashire Police and was implemented by the Secretary of State for Transport.
The move comes after a TikTok sleuth was arrested for filming and uploading footage of Nicola’s body being recovered from the River Wyre on February 19.
Curtis Arnold, 34, of Kidderminster, Worc, was detained on Wednesday on suspicion of malicious communications offences and perverting the course of justice, police said.
The mum-of-two went missing on January 27 after dropping her two young daughters at school.
A huge search operation was launched before her body was found 23 days later.
It had been spotted in the water by medium Jason Rothwell, 33, sparking criticism towards the police and a private search team called in by Nicola’s family.
Nicola’s disappearance led to widespread speculation and caused conspiracy theorists to descend on the tiny village.
TikTok has vowed to take action against social media sleuths who disrupted the search for the mortgage advisor, 45, and posted distressing conspiracy theories about her online.
A spokesman said: “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.”
During the search, Det Supt Rebecca Smith said the investigation had been hampered by “false information, accusations and rumours” by those conducting their own searches.
She told a press conference: “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.”
Nearly £40,000 has so far been raised on GoFundMe for her family.
Lancashire Police confirmed they asked for a no-fly zone to be put in place to ensure privacy for Nicola’s family as they laid her to rest.