Particle.news

Michael Bretton Charged With Murder and Stalking After Remains Found in Somerset

The force has referred the case to the police watchdog following prior contact.

Overview

  • Michael Bretton, 40, of Armoury Road in Shaftesbury, has been charged with murder and one count of stalking involving fear of violence against a woman.
  • He has been remanded to appear at Bristol Magistrates' Court today following the discovery of human remains in the Gurney Slade area.
  • Formal identification of the remains has not yet taken place and a post-mortem examination is due in due course, with Craig Hurcombe’s next of kin informed.
  • Detectives continue to seek dashcam and CCTV from Roemead Road, Roemead Lane, Simbriss Road, Pound Lane, Galley Batch Lane and Golf Links Lane from 6pm Jan 1 to 2am Jan 2, plus late Dec 30 to early Dec 31 on Roemead Road.
  • Specialist teams using search dogs, drones and forensic, CCTV and digital investigators are working alongside Wiltshire and Dorset forces, and police say there is no increased risk to the public.