Human remains found in search for missing man

A murder investigation has been launched after humans remains were found in a search for a man who has been missing since New Years' Day.

Craig Hurcombe, 40, from Wiltshire, was last seen in Gurney Slade, Somerset, at about 18:20 GMT on 1 January.

Avon and Somerset Police said while searches continue, the remains were found in the Gurney Slade area on Wednesday evening. Formal identification is yet to take place but Hurcombe's family has been informed.

A man in his 40s was arrested on suspicion of murder on Monday and remains in custody, police added.

Police said Hurcombe was reported missing at 10:45 on 10 January, nine days after last being seen.

Ch Insp Andy Pritchard said it was "impossible to comprehend the pain" his family would be feeling and asked the public to respect their privacy at an "incredibly difficult time".

He said work to establish what happened would continue "through the day and night".

"A post-mortem examination will also be conducted in due course," Pritchard added.

He said locals should expect an increased police presence in the area over the coming days but police were not aware of an increased risk to public safety.

Anyone with dashcam footage from Roemead Road, Roemead Lane, Simbriss Road, Pound Lane, Galley Batch Lane, and Golf Links Lane from 18:00 on Thursday 1 January until 02:00 on Friday 2 January is asked to contact the force.

Officers are also keen to view dashcam footage from Roemead Road from 23:00 on 30 December until 02:00 on 31 December.

Due to the circumstances of the investigation, detectives said they had made their Professional Standards Department aware.

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