The mother and sister of missing Islander Damien Nettles have offered their support to the family of Nicola Bulley, who vanished in Lancashire at the end of last month (January).

The mother-of-two was out walking her dog when she disappeared, and police believe she may have fallen in a river.

Her family do not think this is the case, however.

Sarah Nettles, who hasn't seen her brother since he went missing 26 years ago, said: "Damien Nettles’ family would like to send out heartfelt support to Nicola Bulley’s family and friends at this very frightening, emotional and distressing time.

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"Please let us know if we can do anything to help during this trying and difficult time.

"Firstly, having a missing loved one is a nightmare, and knowing how to cope through it is not something anyone can be prepared for."

Sarah, and Damien's mother Valerie, have asked people not to speculate over what's happened to Nicola, and have urged police to keep exploring all avenues.

They said: "We are so sorry that Nicola’s family and friends are having to navigate the search of their much loved human being amongst all of this choppy ocean noise and distraction."

They have also sought to correct 'harmful and wrong' information put out about how Damien went missing.

In a family statement, they say it was suggested that Damien “went into the water at 16 and has never been found”.

"This of course is not a true statement, and is also potentially damaging to Damien’s case", the family said.

"There is no proof or evidence about what actually happened to Damien, and this kind of statement and speculation is harmful to finding our very much loved human being, son, brother, cousin and friend, Damien Richard Nettles."

Damien was just 16 at the time he disappeared. His family, spearheaded by efforts from mother Valerie, have never give up hope of finding him.

Search efforts for Nicola, meanwhile, are ongoing. Independent divers recently joined teams looking for her in the River Wyre.