DNA evidence breakthrough in Melanie Hall murder investigation

University graduate Melanie Hall was murdered in 1996. Credit: Avon and Somerset Police/PA Wire

Police investigating the murder of Melanie Hall in 1996 have made a breakthrough after new DNA evidence was uncovered.

The potential new lead was discovered at the site where her remains were found in 2009.

Detective Superintendent Andy Bevan, of Avon and Somerset Police, said he believed the DNA evidence would help the investigation "significantly".

Miss Hall, a clerical worker at the Royal United Hospital in Bath, Somerset, vanished after a night out at Cadillacs nightclub in the city on June 9 1996.

She was last seen at 1.10am sitting on a stool on the edge of the dance floor at the nightclub in Walcot Street, Bath, which has since been renamed ClubXL.

DNA was found at the site where Melanie Hall's body was found in 2009. Credit: Ben Birchall/PA Wire

Melanie's remains were found in vegetation next to the junction 14 northbound slipway of the M5 in Thornbury on October 5 2009 by a workman.

Crimestoppers is also reinstating a reward of up to £10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible for the murder.

The Operation Denmark Incident Room can be contacted on 0117 952 9788, while Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.