Police hunt for car as part of Melanie Hall inquiry

Detectives investigating the murder of Bath woman Melanie Hall have released details of a car they believe may be important to their inquiry.

On BBC Crimewatch they revealed they want to talk to anyone who owned or had in their possession - however briefly - a white VW Golf GTi hardtop, registration number C752 CYE, between the beginning of April 1996 to August 7 1996 when the car was once again registered with the DVLA.

Officers are particularly keen to talk to anyone to may have owned the Golf, or have information about its whereabouts during that time, with connections to Cardiff and the Pentwyn area. It is believed they may have crucial information that could help the investigation.

Miss Hall, who worked at the Royal United Hospital in Bath, vanished after a night out at Cadillacs nightclub in Walcot Street, Bath, in June 1996.

On October 5, 2009, human remains were found by the side of the M5 by a workman who was clearing vegetation on the slip road at junction 14, near Thornbury, south Gloucestershire.

A 44-year-old Bath man has been arrested on suspicion of her murder and has been bailed until April pending further inquiries.

In October 2013, murder detectives asked for information about another white VW Golf GTi - a soft-top Cabriolet that they had recovered. Det Supt Courtiour said his team was still investigating whether that car is relevant to the inquiry.

They are also still carrying out forensic tests on blue rope they have recovered, similar to that used to bind Melanie’s body.

Det Supt Courtiour added: “Our work into Melanie’s murder remains very much active and positive. We are following up a number of leads, of which this missing Golf GTi could be very important.”

Anyone with any information is asked to call 101 and ask for the Operation Denmark incident room, or ring the incident room direct on 01179 455 808.

Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.