Human remains have been found during searches linked to the disappearance of 40-year-old Wiltshire man Craig Hurcombe, police have confirmed.
The discovery was made in the Gurney Slade area of Somerset late yesterday (14 January) by specialist officers involved in the investigation.
Forensics were seen examining a digger and moving mud in a copse at the rear of a HGV yard off Roemead Road, where lorry driver Craig reportedly kept his vehicle.
Formal identification has not yet taken place, but Craig’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by family liaison officers.
Following this development, the investigation is now being treated as a murder inquiry. A man, aged in his 40s, was arrested on suspicion of murder on 12 January and remains in custody.
Craig was last seen in the Gurney Slade area at around 6.20pm on Thursday 1 January.
He was reported missing at 10.45am on Saturday 10 January to Wiltshire Police, before the investigation was transferred to Avon and Somerset Police on Monday 12 January.
Police are continuing to appeal for dashcam footage from Roemead Road, Roemead Lane, Simbriss Road, Pound Lane, Galley Batch Lane and Golf Links Lane. Officers are particularly keen to hear from anyone with footage between 6pm on Thursday 1 January and 2am on Friday 2 January.
They are also asking for dashcam footage from Roemead Road between 11pm on Monday 30 December 2025 and 2am on Tuesday 31 December 2025.
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 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.”
A number of specialist teams have been deployed during the searches, including search dogs, drones, forensic officers and CCTV and digital investigators. This work has been overseen by the Major Crime Investigation Team.
CCTV analysis, forensic examinations and house-to-house enquiries have been carried out. Police are seeking to speak to drivers of several vehicles seen in the area at the relevant times.
Due to the circumstances of the investigation, the force’s Professional Standards Department has been informed. Further details about potential police misconduct has not been revealed.
A Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) page has been created for this investigation, and Avon and Somerset Police is asking anyone with information or footage to report it through this link.
If you would prefer to speak to someone, please call 101 and give the reference 5226010430. Alternatively, contact the independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through their anonymous online form.
