Police believe people had travelled from outside the area to film

Officers said that people from outside Lancashire were caught filming for social media near to properties in St Michael's on Wyre, particularly an 'abandoned house'.

It is believed the group were from Liverpool.

The order will remain in place for 48 hours.

A spokesperson for the police said: "We can confirm a dispersal order was issued around 8.40pm yesterday (Wednesday, February 8) in St Michael’s on Wyre.

"This followed reports of individuals – from outside the area of St Michael’s - filming on social media close to properties.

"The order will remain in place for 48 hours and gives officers the power to disperse anyone committing anti-social behaviour.

"Two dispersal notices were issued, and a number of other people were warned about their behaviour.

"We hope that will give people some reassurance that we will not tolerate criminality, including trespass and criminal damage."

Police say they are also aware of a number of grossly offensive comments being made on social media and elsewhere and are looking into these and will not hesitate to take action where appropriate.

The spokesperson added: "Our investigation to the disappearance of Nicola Bulley is continuing and we continue to search areas of the River Wyre and surrounding area.

"People may have seen less police activity today than previously in the area of the river above the weir but that is not because we have stepped down our searches, it is because the focus of the search has moved further downstream into the area of the river which becomes tidal and then out towards the sea."

On Wednesday evening, Nicola's friend took to social media to dispel rumours about the 'abandoned house'.

Heather Gibbons posted: "Lets talk about this 'abandoned house.'

"I'm a friend of Nikki's who has been involved every single day in this search. I want absolutely nothing more than to get her back home to her family. I can't actually express in words how desperately I want to know she is safe and to get her home to her girls and Paul.

"Since day one when speaking with the press/media I have shared how incredibly thankful we are as friends and family for people who have turned out to help us in our search for Nikki, it's meant the absolute world and it continues to do so.

"But this abandoned house, here are some facts that need to be known.

"It's not abandoned. It's owned by a lovely family who have lived in this village for generations and would do anything they can to help in the search for Nikki.

"It HAS been searched, inside and outside, from top to bottom by the police. I have clarified this with the family themselves and also with the police.

"They have never refused entry to the police or told them they need a warrant to search.

"It's not 'strange' that they were around when the police/rescue teams turned up, the police had knocked on their door and asked them to be around.

"Tonight multiple police units are out in St Michaels dealing with people trespassing, not only on this families land but also others. We are at the point where people coming to 'help' look for Nikki in this way is actually doing the complete opposite.

"You're taking police time and resources away from the investigation. You're letting speculation take away from the actual facts. We are at the point where this type of 'help' is making people who live in St Michaels feel unsafe. Please don't let this continue to happen."

Nicola went missing on January 27 after dropping her two children off at school and as she walked her dog Willow by the river.

Her phone and Willow were found at a bench by the river and the phone was still connected to a work call.

Extensive searches have been carried out under water over the last few days but the mum-of-two has still not been located. 

Anyone with information which could assist our investigation should call us on 101 quoting log 0565 of January 30th. For immediate sightings please call 999.