Craig Hurcombe had not been seen since New Year's Day
Molly Seaman
13:41, 15 Jan 2026Updated 13:54, 15 Jan 2026
Human remains have been found in a village during the search for a missing man in Somerset which has now become a murder inquiry.
Police were searching the Gurney Slade area in the search for Craig Hurcombe when they located human remains late last night (Wednesday, January 14).
While formal identification is yet to take place, the family of missing 40-year-old Craig have been made aware of the discovery and are being supported by specially trained officers.
Craig was last seen in the Gurney Slade area around 6.20pm on New Year's Day. He was reported as missing at 10.45am on Saturday, January 10, to Wiltshire Police.
The investigation was handed to Avon and Somerset Police on Monday, January 12, and a man in his 40s was arrested on suspicion of murder.
At the time of reporting, he remains in police custody.
Avon and Somerset Police is appealing for anyone with dashcam or doorbell footage in the Roemead Road, Roemead Lane, Simbriss Road, Pound Lane, Galley Batch Lane, and Golf Links Lane area between 6pm Thursday, January 1 and 2pm on Friday, January 2, to get in contact.
The force is also asking for anyone with dashcam footage in Roemead Road from 11pm Monday 30 December 2025 until 2am on Tuesday 31 December to contact them.
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.”
In a statement, Avon and Somerset Police said: "We have utilised several specialist teams during our searches – including search dogs, drones, forensic and CCTV and digital investigators – and this has been overseen by the MCIT.
"CCTV, forensic, and house-to-house enquiries have been carried out, and we would like to speak to drivers of several vehicles which were seen in these areas at those estimated times.
"Due to the circumstances of this investigation, we have made our Professional Standards Department aware."