A TAUNTON man has been charged with murder after a man died following an incident earlier this week.

At around 8pm on Monday, February 19, emergency services were called to an address in Coronation Close, Ruishton, to a report of a man having suffered a serious injury.

Jordan Simcock, 24, was taken to Southmead Hospital. He sadly passed away yesterday (Wednesday, February 21).

Over the coming days, a forensic post-mortem examination and formal identification will be carried out.

This morning (Thursday, February 22), Michael Drake, 46, appeared before Taunton Magistrates’ Court after being charged with one count of murder overnight.

He was remanded into custody to appear at Bristol Crown Court tomorrow (Friday, February 23).

He was remanded into custody before appearing at Bristol Crown Court on Friday (February 23).

No application was made for bail. His next hearing is due to be held on May 13. A fixed trial date has preliminarily been set for August 19.

A second man, who was also in his 40s, was also arrested earlier this week. He has since been released.

Senior investigating officer, Det Ch Insp Simon Dewfall, said: “I’d like to reassure everyone that we believe this to be an isolated incident involving people who were known to each other and that there is no wider risk to the public.

“We are working closely with our Wiltshire and Gloucestershire colleagues, through the Major Crimes Investigation Team, as we continue to conduct a thorough investigation into Jordan’s death.

“Our thoughts are with his family.”