Detectives investigating the disappearance of Nicola Bulley have reportedly been handed a "stained" glove that was found near the place where the mum-of-two went missing nearly three weeks ago.
The 45-year-old vanished on January 27 in the village of St Michael's on Wyre while walking her springer spaniel Willow, after having dropped her two daughters, aged six and nine, at school. She has not been seen since.
Police believe the mortgage adviser fell into the River Wyre in a "10-minute window" between 9.10am and 9.20am that day.
Since her disappearance, police have been scouring the area for her and exploring several lines of inquiry, even bringing in a team of forensic experts to search the river.
But no trace of Nicola has been found so far.
And tonight major new claims have reportedly emerged that could cast further doubt on Lancashire Police's working theory that the mum fell into the water.
It is reported that, on February 7, two walkers found a blue glove in the field where Nicola went missing. They handed it to police who bagged it and took it away, it is claimed.
A photograph published by The Sun shows the ski glove on a fallen tree branch.
It is claimed that a video of the discovery, made yards from where Nicola was last seen and her mobile phone was found on a bench, was published on TikTok last week, but has since been deleted.
The person who shared the video claimed it was stained but did not clarify with what substance.
The glove claims have not been confirmed by Lancashire Police and The Mirror has approached the force for comment.
Police are understood to have stuck with their controversial theory that Nicola has fallen in the river in a tragic accident, after the glove was reportedly found.
This is despite relatives insisting this theory is not backed up by evidence.
One woman reportedly commented online: “Has anyone heard anything about the glove that was found in the early hours on the field she was last seen on the TikTok live?
“I was watching it live about 1am. A couple went on to the field last night, found a glove there with a stain on it?
"They reported it to the police and bagged it and gave it to an officer.”
Over the weekend, a security company was brought in to the area where Nicola went missing in a bid to keep "TikTokers and YouTubers" away from the site.
After residents said they feel unsafe due to some people trespassing in gardens and filming their properties, members of the community asked a local security firm was asked to provide "reassurance".
Spencer Sutcliffe, who owns the security firm patrolling the area, said visitors were trespassing on private property and entering an old house that overlooks the River Wyre.
As the search for Nicola continues, her friends and neighbours have not given up hope she will be found.
Yesterday, well-wishers continued to leave hand-written "messages of hope" that the 45-year-old mortgage adviser will be found unharmed.
The messages, which first appeared on flower-shaped ribbons on Sunday, have been written on yellow ribbons on a bridge over the River Wyre in the village.
Newly-left messages say "hope is the last thing ever lost" and "Nikki, I love you, come home".
Others reading "we need you home Nicola", "praying for your safe return" and "I love you" were found tied to the bridge on Sunday.
A large poster with a photograph of Ms Bulley has also been attached to the railings.
On Thursday, police extended the search for her body to the sea after detectives said finding her "in the open sea becomes more of a possibility".
Meanwhile, officers are still looking for clues near the bench on the riverbank where her phone was found, while still connected to a work call, on the day she disappeared.
Lancashire Constabulary believes she fell into the river Wyre "in a 10-minute window" while walking her springer spaniel Willow on her usual morning walk after dropping her daughters - Harriet and Sophia - at school.
