Detectives investigating the murder of Bath woman Melanie Hall have released a new colour e-fit image of a man they want to trace, as the case approaches the 30th anniversary of her disappearance.
A new colour e-fit has been released | Image © Avon & Somerset Police
The Echo understands that as part of renewed enquiries, a fresh review of CCTV is to be undertaken, witnesses will be re-interviewed and that AI could be used to assist the investigation.
Melanie, 25, a clerical worker at the Royal United Hospital, was last conclusively seen 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, after a night out with friends in the city centre.
Her remains were discovered more than 13 years later, on 5th October 2009, next to the northbound slip road of the M5 at junction 14 for Thornbury by a workman.
Despite a Channel 5 documentary in September 2023 and Avon & Somerset Police releasing an e-fit, Melanie’s killer has never been brought to justice and officers continue to appeal for information.
Photo courtesy of Avon & Somerset Police
Police are again asking whether anyone recognises the man in the newly released colour e-fit.
He is described as white, in his mid to late twenties, around 5ft 10ins tall, of medium build, with dark brown hair, dark brown eyes, bushy eyebrows and clean shaven.
At the time he was said to be wearing black trousers, black shoes and a brown silk shirt and may have had a gold hooped earring in his right ear and a gold watch.
Officers are also keen to trace a woman who was seen arguing with a man in Old Orchard, around the corner from the nightclub entrance, between 1.45am and 2am; they have not ruled out that this could have been Melanie and want to hear from anyone who can shed light on that incident.
Melanie’s remains were discovered next to the M5
Detectives are appealing to anyone who may have been involved in the aftermath of the crime in any way, including those who may have helped move or conceal Melanie’s body but were not involved in the killing itself.
They are also urging people who were in Cadillacs on the night England drew 1–1 with Switzerland in the opening game of Euro 96, and who have never spoken to police, to come forward.
Officers continue to seek information about any suspicious activity or vehicles parked on the northbound J14 slip road of the M5 at Thornbury in the early hours of Sunday 9th June 1996, or in the days immediately afterwards, and are asking anyone who noticed a striking change in behaviour in a friend or relative, or who knows someone who has shown a particular interest in the case, to make contact.
Melanie’s clothes have never been found – do you know where they are? | Image via Avon & Somerset Police
Another key line of enquiry remains the whereabouts of Melanie’s clothing and personal items, which have never been found.
These 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 the handbag were cosmetics, a Midland cheque book and bank card, along with jewellery including a Next watch with expanding bracelet and silver drop earrings.
Officers are asking whether anyone has ever seen or come into possession of items matching this description.
Information can be submitted directly to police via the Major Incident Public Portal.
You can also contact police by calling 101 and telling the call handler you are calling about the Major Crime Investigation Team’s Operation Denmark inquiry.
Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
