A man has been formally charged with murder after human remains were discovered in a Somerset village on the night of Wednesday, January 14.
Michael Bretton, 40, from Armoury Road, Shaftesbury, Dorset, faces charges of murder and stalking, involving fear of violence against a woman. He is scheduled to appear in Bristol Magistrates' Court tomorrow, January 16.
The remains, believed to be those of 40-year-old Craig Hurcombe from Wiltshire, were recovered during searches in the Roemead Road area of Gurney Slade. Mr. Hurcombe had been reported missing to Wiltshire Police on Saturday, January 10, at 10:45 a.m. His next of kin have been notified and continue to receive support from Avon and Somerset Police.
READ MORE: Man Charged with Murder After Human Remains Found in Gurney Slade Village
READ MORE: Yeovil Town Begins to Reflect Manager’s Vision Ahead of Tough Brackley Fixture
Formal identification of the remains is pending, and a post-mortem examination will be conducted in due course.
Detective Chief Inspector Neil Meade, the Senior Investigating Officer, expressed condolences to Mr. Hurcombe’s family, stating, “Our thoughts remain with Craig’s family during this incredibly difficult time. They are receiving ongoing support from specially trained officers, and we ask for privacy on their behalf. We also thank them for their cooperation with our inquiries so far.”
He added, “I want to commend the dedicated work of officers and staff from Avon and Somerset, Wiltshire, and Dorset police forces in this investigation, which has resulted in the Crown Prosecution Service authorizing charges against Mr. Bretton.”
Police have reassured the local community that there is no current risk to the public as investigations continue.
Avon and Somerset Police have set up a Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) inviting anyone with information or footage relevant to the investigation to come forward via their website.
Additionally, a mandatory referral has been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) due to the circumstances involving previous police contact related to this death.