Man charged with murder after human remains found in Somerset village

Michael Bretton, 40, has been charged with murder and one count of stalking involving fear of violence against a woman, and will appear at Bristol Magistrates’ Court today

A man has been charged with murder following the discovery of human remains in a quiet village.

Michael Bretton, 40, from Armoury Road, Shaftesbury, Dorset, faces charges of murder and one count of stalking involving fear of violence against a woman. He is due to appear in court on Friday, January 16, reports Somerset Live..

The human remains, thought to be those of 40 year old Craig Hurcombe from Wiltshire, were unearthed during searches in the Roemead Road area of Gurney Slade in Somerset.

Avon and Somerset Police have informed his next of kin, who will continue to receive support from officers, after he was reported missing to Wiltshire Police on Saturday, January 10, at 10.45am.

Formal identification is still pending and a post-mortem examination will be conducted in due course. Bretton is charged with murder and one count of stalking involving fear of violence against a woman.

He has been remanded in custody and is set to appear at Bristol Magistrates’ Court tomorrow (Friday, January 16).

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Neil Meade, expressed: “Our thoughts are with Craig’s family during this incredibly difficult time.

“They continue to receive support from specially-trained officers, and, on their behalf, we request privacy for them.

“I would also like to thank them for their support with our enquiries so far.

“I would like to recognise the ongoing efforts of officers and staff from Avon and Somerset, Wiltshire and Dorset who have been involved in this investigation, which has led to the Crown Prosecution Service authorising Bretton is charged with murder.

“While enquiries continue to be carried out in the area, we would like to reassure the community that we do not believe there is any risk to the public.”

A representative for Avon and Somerset Police stated: “A Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) page has been created for this investigation, to allow anyone with information or footage to report it to us via our website: Public Portal.

“A mandatory referral is being made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) on the grounds of a death occurring following previous police contact.”

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