Murder investigation after "human remains" found in Somerset during search for Wiltshire man
40-year-old Craig Hurcombe was last seen in Gurney Slade area of Somerset on New Year's Day (01/01)
Last updated 15th Jan 2026
A murder investigation has been launched after human remains were found in Somerset during the search for a missing Wiltshire man.
40-year-old Craig Hurcombe was last seen in Gurney Slade area of Somerset on New Year's Day (01/01) at approximately 6.20pm and was reported missing to Wiltshire Police at 10.45am on 10th January.
Avon and Somerset Police say specialist officers found human remains late on Wednesday night, (14/01), in the Gurney Slade area.
The force added that formal identification is yet to take place, but Craig’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.
The investigation is now being treated by police as a murder inquiry and a man in his 40s who was arrested on suspicion of murder on Monday (12/01) remains in police custody.
Neighbourhood Policing Chief Inspector Andy Pritchard said: “The family of Craig Hurcombe have been informed of the discovery, and it is impossible to comprehend the pain they will be feeling. Our thoughts are with them, and we will continue to provide them with updates and support through our specially-trained officers.
“We ask people to respect Craig’s loved ones’ privacy during this incredibly difficult time.
“The Major Crime Investigation Team (MCIT) are leading on this investigation and will continue to work through the day and night to establish the facts of this case. The formal identification process has not yet been completed, and a post-mortem examination will also be conducted in due course.
“There will be an increased police presence in the area in the coming days, and we urge anyone with concerns to please speak to us, however we’d like to reassure people we are not aware of there being any increased risk to public safety.
“We will continue to provide updates to the public as our investigation progresses.”
Police are continuing to appeal for anyone with dashcam footage from Roemead Road, Roemead Lane, Simbriss Road, Pound Lane, Galley Batch Lane, and Golf Links Lane (area shown in map above) from between 6pm on Thursday 1 January until 2am on Friday 2 January, to contact them.