Charges of murder have been filed against an individual after human remains were discovered in a village in Somerset.
Michael Bretton, aged 40, faces charges of murder and one count of stalking that caused fear of violence towards a woman. He is scheduled to appear in court the following day.
The findings of human remains, believed to belong to a 40-year-old individual from Wiltshire, were made during searches conducted in the Roemead Road vicinity of Gurney Slade.
Detective Chief Inspector Neil Meade, the Senior Investigating Officer, expressed condolences to the family of the deceased individual and emphasized the need for privacy during this challenging period. The family is being supported by specially-trained officers.
Acknowledgments were extended to the family for their cooperation with the investigation. Recognition was also given to the collaborative efforts of law enforcement personnel from Avon and Somerset, Wiltshire, and Dorset in the ongoing investigation that led to the authorization of murder charges against Bretton by the Crown Prosecution Service.
Assurances were provided to the community that there is no perceived threat to public safety while investigations continue in the area.
A representative from Avon and Somerset Police indicated the creation of a Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) webpage for the investigation. The public is encouraged to report any relevant information or footage via the designated portal on the police website.
A mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is being initiated due to the circumstances surrounding the death subsequent to previous police contact.