Nicola Bulley’s family have criticised “wildly inaccurate speculation” on social media about her death – as a coroner concluded she died after accidentally falling into cold water.

Ms Bulley’s family released a statement after the inquest, which said: “Sadly, we feel the need to again raise and address the issue of social media.

“It’s upsetting that we’ve continued to receive negative targeted messages and still witness wildly inaccurate speculation being shared over numerous platforms.

“We encourage people to look at the facts, the evidence which has been heard during the inquest, and the conclusion reached by the coroner, to ignore any amateur views and opinions, and be mindful of the impact words bring.”

The family also said the “emotional impact will stay long in our hearts” and that they will “never get over the loss of our Nikki”.

“The help and support we have received over these few months has meant more than words can say.

“From family and friends, to complete strangers across the country and world, thank you.

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“Nikki and Paul’s girls have already taken great comfort in the deeply thoughtful gifts sent to them in goodwill, and in time they will read the many cards which are filled with such kindness and love.”

Ms Bulley, 45, vanished after dropping off her two daughters at school, and taking her usual dog walk along the River Wyre in St Michael’s, Lancashire, on 27 January.

On Tuesday, Dr James Adeley, senior coroner for Lancashire, recorded her death as accidental as she fell into the river and suffered “cold water shock”, ruling out suicide.

A senior detective said she hoped the coroner’s conclusion would put an end to “ill-informed speculation and conspiracy theories” surrounding Ms Bulley’s death.

Speaking outside Preston’s County Hall, Lancashire Constabulary’s head of crime Detective Chief Superintendent Pauline Stables said: “I want to start by saying that first and foremost my thoughts today are with Nikki’s family and loved ones.

“They have been through the most unimaginable ordeal over the last six months and I can only hope that this inquest will help in some small way by answering some of the questions they had about what happened to Nikki on January 27, and will allow them to start the process of rebuilding their lives as best as they can.

“I would like to thank Dr Adeley for his careful consideration of the evidence presented to this inquest as well as legal counsel, and all of the witnesses for their participation.

“I hope that His Majesty’s Coroner’s clear and definitive findings will put an end to ill-informed speculation and conspiracy theories which have been so damaging to Nikki’s family and the community of St Michael’s.”

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