A 40-year-old man has been charged with murder after human remains were discovered in a Somerset village on the evening of Wednesday, January 14.
Michael Bretton, from Armoury Road, Shaftesbury, Dorset, faces charges of murder and stalking involving fear of violence against a woman. He is scheduled to appear in court tomorrow, Friday, January 16.
The remains, believed to be those of 40-year-old Craig Hurcombe from Wiltshire, were found during searches in the Roemead Road area of Gurney Slade. Craig had been reported missing to Wiltshire Police on Saturday, January 10, at 10:45 a.m.
READ MORE: Controversial Bath LTN Could Be UK’s Worst, Say Campaigners
READ MORE: Somerset Council Apologises for Long Queues on A39 Near Minehead
While formal identification has yet to be confirmed, his next of kin have been informed and are receiving support from Avon and Somerset Police. A post-mortem examination will be conducted in due course.
Detective Chief Inspector Neil Meade, the Senior Investigating Officer, expressed condolences to Craig’s family: “Our thoughts are with Craig’s family during this incredibly difficult time. They continue to receive support from specially trained officers, and we kindly ask for their privacy as the investigation progresses.”
He also acknowledged the collaborative efforts of Avon and Somerset, Wiltshire, and Dorset police teams, which led to the Crown Prosecution Service authorizing the murder charge against Bretton.
Authorities emphasize that while investigations continue in the area, there is no believed risk to the public.
Avon and Somerset Police have created a Major Incident Public Portal to encourage anyone with information or footage related to the case to report it online. Additionally, a mandatory referral has been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) due to the death occurring following prior police contact.