The murder of 25-year-old Melanie Hall, who went missing from the centre of Bath, remains unsolved nearly three decades later.
Photo courtesy of Avon & Somerset Police
The last confirmed sighting of Melanie, who worked as a clerical worker at the Royal United Hospital, was at 1.10am on Sunday 9th June 1996, sitting on a stool at the edge of the dancefloor in Cadillacs nightclub (now Walcot House) in Walcot Street, following a night out with friends.
Her remains were found next to the northbound slip road of the M5 at junction 14 for Thornbury by a workman on 5th October 2009.
Melanie’s remains were discovered next to the M5 | Image © Avon & Somerset Police
Despite a documentary being broadcast on Channel 5 in September 2023, and Avon & Somerset Police re-releasing an e-fit from 1996 as part of their ongoing investigation, the case remains unsolved, 29 years after Melanie went missing.
Police continue to appeal for information which could lead to the prosecution of Melanie’s killer.
An e-fit from 1996 was rereleased in 2023 | Image © Avon & Somerset Police
In their most recent appeal, back in 2023, officers asked for help on the following points:
- Do you know the man in the E-fit? He’s described as white, in his mid to late twenties, 5ft 10ins, of medium build, with dark brown hair, dark brown eyes, bushy eyebrows and clean shaven. He was wearing black trousers, black shoes and a brown silk shirt. It’s possible he had a gold hooped earring in his right ear and wore a flashy gold watch. Do you recognise this man?
- Police have an unconfirmed sighting of a woman arguing with a man in Old Orchard (around the corner from the nightclub’s entrance) between 1.45am and 2am – officers haven’t ruled out the fact this could have been Melanie – so if this was you, or you have any further information about this, they’d like to hear from you.
- Were you involved in the aftermath of the crime in any way? Maybe you assisted with the deposition of Melanie’s body but were not involved in the murder. Officers want to hear from you now.
- Were you in Cadillacs nightclub that night? It was the evening where England drew 1-1 with Switzerland in the opening game of the football Euro 96 Championships? If you were there and haven’t spoken to police, please call them.
- Did you see any suspicious activity or a vehicle parked on the northbound J14 slip road of the M5 at Thornbury in the early hours of Sunday 9th June 1996, or the days immediately afterwards?
- Are you concerned about the change in behaviour of a friend or relative, or anyone showing a particular interest in this inquiry?
- Do you have information on where Melanie’s clothing or belongings may be? They’ve never been found. They include a pale blue silk dress with a round neck, black suede mule shoes with straps across the front and an open toe, size 5 or 6, a cream single-breasted, long-sleeved jacket and a black satchel-type handbag.
- In Melanie’s handbag were cosmetics and a Midland cheque book and bank card. Also missing are items of jewellery including a Next watch with expanding bracelet and silver drop earrings. Where are these items? Have you ever seen them?
You can provide information to the police directly through the Major Incident Public Portal and the dedicated Melanie Hall appeal page here.
Melanie’s clothes have never been found – do you know where they are? | Image via Avon & Somerset Police
You can also contact the police with information by calling 101. Inform the call handler you are calling about the Major Crime Investigation Team’s Operation Denmark inquiry.
Alternatively, you can provide information anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers, which can be contacted on 0800 555 111. They never ask for your name or trace your call. You can also visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
