HUMAN remains have been found in the search for missing man Craig Hurcombe – last seen in Somerset on New year’s Day.
The 40-year-old was reported missing on January 10, having last been seen in the Gurney Slade area at around 6.20pm on January 1.
As the search continued for Mr Hurcombe, police said the remains were found in the Gurney Slade area late on Wednesday night (January 14), with operations continuing.
“While formal identification is yet to take place, we have informed Craig’s next of kin who are being supported by specialist officers,” an Avon & Somerset Police spokesperson said.
“Following this development, we are now treating this investigation as a murder inquiry and have one man still in custody.”
Mr Hurcombe was reported missing to Wiltshire Police at 10.45am on January 10, with the case transferred to Avon & Somerset Police on Monday (January 12).
“In the late hours of Monday evening, we arrested a man in his 40s on suspicion of murder and he remains in custody at this time,” the spokesperson went on.
“We are continuing to appeal to anyone with dashcam footage from Roemead Road, Roemead Lane, Simbriss Road, Pound Lane, Galley Batch Lane, and Golf Links Lane from between 6pm on Thursday, January 1, until 2am on Friday, January 2, to contact us.
“We are also appealing for people with dashcam footage in Roemead Road from 11pm on Monday, December 30, 2025, until 2am on Tuesday, December 31 to contact us.”
Neighbourhood Policing Chief Inspector Andy Pritchard added: “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.”
Specialist teams – including search dogs, drones, forensic and CCTV and digital investigators – have been used in the search, police said, which has been overseen by the MCIT.
CCTV, forensic, and house-to-house enquiries have also been carried out, with officers now tracing the drivers of several vehicles seen in these areas at those estimated times.
“Due to the circumstances of this investigation, we have made our Professional Standards Department aware,” the spokesperson added.
People can also contact police on 101 and give the reference 5226010430, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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