Ofcom says it has written to Sky News and ITV “to ask them to explain their actions” following feedback made by the household of Nicola Bulley.
The media watchdog mentioned it had contacted the broadcasters after the household questioned the position of the media in the course of the investigation.
In a press release, Ofcom mentioned: “We are extremely concerned to hear the comments made by the family of Nicola Bulley about two broadcast licensees.
“We have written to ITV and Sky to ask them to clarify their actions.
“We will then assess whether any further action is required.”
On Sunday, police recovered Ms Bulley’s physique from the River Wyre, Lancashire, following an in depth three-week search operation.
The 45-year-old mortgage adviser had final been seen on Friday 27 January whereas strolling on a footpath by the river in St Michael’s on Wyre.
Following formal identification of Ms Bulley’s physique, the household launched a press release by means of Lancashire Police on Monday.
In the assertion, the household mentioned: “We tried final night time (Sunday) to absorb what we had been informed within the day, solely to have Sky News and ITV making contact with us immediately once we expressly requested for privateness.
“They again have taken it upon themselves to run stories about us to sell papers and increase their own profits.
“It is shameful they’ve acted on this manner. Leave us alone now.”
The family also paid tribute to Ms Bulley in their statement, describing her as “the centre of our world” and “the one who made our lives so particular”.
Ms Bulley was strolling her canine, Willow, beside the River Wyre when she was final seen greater than three weeks in the past.
The springer spaniel was discovered shortly after, together with Ms Bulley’s cell phone, which was found on a bench beside a steep riverbank. The cellphone was nonetheless linked to a piece convention name.
Police mentioned their fundamental working speculation was that Ms Bulley had fallen into the river.
Lancashire Police launched an in depth search of the river, which ended on Sunday when a physique was recovered from the river, round a mile from the place Ms Bulley was final seen.
It is known {that a} man and a girl strolling their canine close to to the river referred to as the police after seeing an individual within the water, with officers then launching a search.
Police beforehand mentioned Ms Bulley had suffered “significant issues with alcohol” which had been introduced on by “ongoing struggles with the menopause”.
The revelation of such private data sparked criticism from many, together with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, however Ms Bulley’s household mentioned they have been “aware beforehand that Lancashire Police released a statement with some personal details about our Nikki”.
The dwelling secretary mentioned she’s going to see what Lancashire Police’s personal inquiries “come back with” when requested if there can be an exterior evaluate into the pressure’s dealing with of Ms Bulley’s disappearance.
Suella Braverman mentioned she was not “wholly satisfied” with responses given by the chief constable when she requested for an evidence as to why a few of Ms Bulley’s private particulars have been launched to the general public.
Source: information.sky.com”