Breakthrough in Melanie Hall murder, 20 years on

For twenty years the killing of Melanie Hall has remained unsolved.

It was Saturday 8th June 1996 when Melanie Hall went out with a group of friends to Cadillac's nightclub in Bath.

But during the night, she found herself separated from the group.

The last sighting of Melanie was at 1:10am. She was sat on her own at the side of the dance floor.

The grim reality of what happened next remains a mystery.

Melanie Hall was last seen at Cadillacs nightclub in Bath on 8 June 1996 Credit: Avon & Somerset Police

Despite a massive police investigation, the case appeared to go cold, until 13 years later when Melanie's remains were found dumped in a plastic bag by the side of the M5 at Junction 14 in Gloucestershire.

Over the two decades there have been:

  • 9 arrests;

  • 1700 calls from the public about the case;

  • 5700 investigative actions;

  • And 1600 statements taken;

  • But no one has ever been charged.

Forensics teams at the scene near the M5 where Melanie's remains were found Credit: ITV News

But today, on what is the 20th anniversary of Melanie's disappearance, police say they are closer than ever to catching her killer - thanks to a DNA breakthrough.

Detective Superintendent Bevan goes on to say, "We don't have a prime suspect and we don't have any conclusive evidence to suggest Melanie's death is linked to any other murders of sexual offences committed.

"There are however numerous people of interest in this investigation and we're looking into whether they have any potential link to the horrific crime.

"I believe the DNA profile we're developing will assist these enquiries significantly."

Detective Superintendent Bevan made this plea on camera:

There remain many unanswered questions in this case. Avon and Somerset Police has produced a video to try to get some answers.

  • Watch a video marking the 20th anniversary of Melanie Hall's death

The questions raised include:

What happened to Melanie's clothing? They've never been recovered.

Who did she leave the club with?

And did anyone see a car and someone acting suspiciously on the northbound J14 slipway of the M5?

Family photos of a much loved young woman whose life was stolen from her Credit: Family

It has been twenty years of pain for Melanie Hall's family. But they believe someone is still hiding a dark secret.

There is a £10,000 reward being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for Melanie's murder.

Information can be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Or call Operation Denmark Incident Room on 0117 952 9788 or dial 101 and ask for the Operation Denmark team.