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Nicola Bulley’s friend says police have painted her in ‘unfair light to shift focus off them’

‘I think the police have done this to shift the focus onto this rather than on them and their lack of progress’

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Nicola Bulley’s friend has said police have painted the missing mum-of-two in an unfair light.

Her friend believes police shared private details of her struggles with alcohol connected to menopause as a way ‘to shift the focus away from the lack of progress in the case’. The 45-year-old mortgage advisor was last seen three weeks ago, on January 27th while walking her springer spaniel Willow in the village of St Michael’s on the Wyre in Lancashire.

On Wednesday February 15th, Lancashire Police held a press conference to clear up some of the speculation that had been circulating around the events that lead to Ms Bulley being reported missing and accusations about the force being ‘incompetent’. 

In the meeting, they mentioned that Ms Bulley was immediately considered a ‘high risk’ missing person, with ‘specific vulnerabilities’ given the information that was provided to them by her partner, Paul Ansell. Detective Superintendent Rebecca Smith and Assistant Chief Constable Peter Lawson refused to elaborate when asked by members of the press what the details of Ms Bulley’s ‘vulnerabilities’ may be.

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They said that it was the ‘personal’ and ‘private’ information of Ms Bulley and her family. However, a short while after the conference had ended, Lancashire Police released a statement revealing that Ms Bulley had suffered with ‘significant alcohol issues’ in the past and that they had ‘resurfaced in recent months’ due to her suffering with the menopause.

A friend of the family, who has asked to remain anonymous, told the Mirror of their anger and said this doesn’t help the investigation, adding: “I feel angry for Nikki. She’s a beautiful, kind, loving person. One of the best kind of friends you could wish for. This has painted her in an unfair light. I think the police have done this to shift the focus onto this rather than on them and their lack of progress.”

The friend also criticised Lancashire Police’s working hypothesis that Nicola fell into the river, saying: “I think they want people to buy into their theory that she went into the river. I do fear that the focus will be on this now rather than trying to find Nikki.

“We really need to focus on finding out what has happened and where she has gone. Focus needs to be given to the areas not covered by CCTV and following up on those dash cams. I think the Tik Tokers are taking the police away from what they need to be doing and wasting valuable resources.

“However, I doubt it would have made much difference to the information that has been released. The police have released this information to shift the focus off them. This would still be the case without them. Whatever is written will be out there in the public domain. Her daughters will read all of this one day.”

Following the private information revealed by the police, Ms Bulley’s family released a statement directly appealing to the mum to ‘come home’ as her ‘girls want a cuddle’. In it they said: “We, as a family, believe that the public focus has become distracted from finding Nikki, and more about speculation and rumours into her and Paul’s private life.

“As a family, we were aware beforehand that Lancashire Police, last night, released a statement with some personal details about our Nikki. Although we know that Nikki would not have wanted this, there are people out there speculating and threatening to sell stories about her. This is appalling and needs to stop.

“Due to the peri menopause Nikki suffered with significant side effects such as brain fog, restless sleep and was taking HRT to help but this was giving her intense headaches which caused Nikki to stop taking the HRT thinking that may have helped her but only ended up causing this crisis.

“The public focus has to be on finding her and not making up wild theories about her personal life. Despite what some media outlets and individuals are suggesting, we are being updated daily and receive support from our family liaison officers.”

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Man arrested in connection with death of Gogglebox star George Gilbey

He has been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter, police say

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@georgegilbey / Instagram

A man has been arrested in connection to the death of television personality George Gilbey who died after suffering a fall at work.

Essex Police said it was called to an incident at a road in Shoebury, near Southend-on-Sea, following a report that a man had fallen from a height while at work.

An air ambulance was in attendance but sadly, the 40-year-old died at the scene.

@georgegilbey / Instagram

A spokesperson for Essex Police said: “We received a report of an incident at Campfield Road in Shoebury at around 10am this morning (March 27), during which a man who was working at height had fallen and sustained an injury.

“The ambulance service including air ambulance were in attendance. Sadly, the man died at the scene. We will continue liaising with partners including the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). A cordon remains in place at the scene.”

Gilbey, a self-employed electricain, starred in eight series of Channel 4’s Gogglebox  alongside his mother Linda McGarry and stepfather Pete McGarry, who passed away at the age of 71 in 2021. Gilbey also Celebrity Big Brother on Channel 5 in 2014, finishing fourth.

Channel 4 Gogglebox shared a statement on its official X account, saying: “George was part of the Gogglebox family for eight series alongside his mum Linda and step-dad Pete.

“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Linda, and George’s family and friends at this very sad time.”

Tributes from friends and fans have been pouring in online, as one person said: “Rest in peace George, thanks for all the laughs you gave me over the years. Bet Pete’s waiting for you with a pint xxx.”

Another wrote: “Thinking of your family. I’m so sorry to your mum especially. so much grief to deal with in such a short time the world can be so cruel.”

Celebrities have also been sharing tributes online after hearing the tragic news.

EastEnders actress Daniella Westbrook shared a photo of Gilbey and his mum on Instagram, and wrote beside it: “Goodnight, my darling friend George. I’m absolutely gutted.”

In a post on X, former Geordie Shore star Ricci Guarnaccio, and Celebrity Big Brother co-star, wrote: “Breaks my (heart) but @georgegilbey you are well and truely going to be missed my friend. Always lit up the room, cared for others & the memories we made I’ll cherish for ever brother. From CBB to speaking to you last week, I’m going to hugely miss you ma boiii! Love you G.”

And, Simon Minty wrote on Instagram: “So sorry to hear this. I really enjoyed watching George. Condolences to Linda and family.” 

In the latest update, police said the arrested man was in his 40s and from the Witham area of Essex, and that further updates would be announced ‘proactively’. The force said he was arrested on ‘suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter’.

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Police issue urgent appeal to find missing man from Tameside

Have you seen David?

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Greater Manchester Police

Greater Manchester Police has issued an urgent appeal to help find a man who was last seen in Tameside in the early hours of yesterday.

David, 40, was last seen on Sands Walk, Hyde, at around 12am on Wednesday March 27th.

He is believed to still have his mobile phone on him and to be somewhere in the Greater Manchester area, police say.

David is described as a white male, around 6 ft 2 ins tall, of slim build and a bald head with red facial hair. He also has tattoos on his arms and legs.

He was last seen wearing jeans, a black t-shirt and a black hoodie.

Anyone who has seen David or who may have any information about his whereabouts is urged to contact GMP on 0161 856 9325.

 

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Gogglebox star George Gilbey dies after fall from height at age 40

RIP George

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@georgegilbey / Instagram

Television personality George Gilbey who starred on Gogglebox has died after suffering a fall at work.

Essex Police said it was called to an incident at a road in Shoebury, near Southend-on-Sea, following a report that a man had fallen from a height while at work.

An air ambulance was in attendance but sadly, the 40-year-old died at the scene.

@georgegilbey / Instagram

A spokesperson for Essex Police said: “We received a report of an incident at Campfield Road in Shoebury at around 10am this morning (March 27), during which a man who was working at height had fallen and sustained an injury.

“The ambulance service including air ambulance were in attendance. Sadly, the man died at the scene. We will continue liaising with partners including the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). A cordon remains in place at the scene.”

Gilbey starred in eight series of Channel 4’s Gogglebox  alongside his mother Linda McGarry and stepfather Pete McGarry, who passed away at the age of 71 in 2021. Gilbey also Celebrity Big Brother on Channel 5 in 2014, finishing fourth.

Channel 4 Gogglebox shared a statement on its official X account, saying: “George was part of the Gogglebox family for eight series alongside his mum Linda and step-dad Pete.

“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Linda, and George’s family and friends at this very sad time.”

Tributes from friends and fans have been pouring in online, as one person said: “Rest in peace George, thanks for all the laughs you gave me over the years. Bet Pete’s waiting for you with a pint xxx.”

Another wrote: “Thinking of your family. I’m so sorry to your mum especially. so much grief to deal with in such a short time the world can be so cruel.”

Celebrities have also been sharing tributes online after hearing the tragic news.

EastEnders actress Daniella Westbrook shared a photo of Gilbey and his mum on Instagram, and wrote beside it: “Goodnight, my darling friend George. I’m absolutely gutted.”

In a post on X, former Geordie Shore star Ricci Guarnaccio, and Celebrity Big Brother co-star, wrote: “Breaks my (heart) but @georgegilbey you are well and truely going to be missed my friend. Always lit up the room, cared for others & the memories we made I’ll cherish for ever brother. From CBB to speaking to you last week, I’m going to hugely miss you ma boiii! Love you G.”

And, Simon Minty wrote on Instagram: “So sorry to hear this. I really enjoyed watching George. Condolences to Linda and family.” 

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