Melanie Hall was last seen in a nightclub before being found dead by the motorway (Image: Avon and Somerset Police / SWNS)
A woman was found dead, wrapped in black bin liners and tied with blue rope, on the side of a major motorway in the UK. Police have launched a fresh appeal for information on the 30th anniversary of Melanie Hall’s disappearance and are urging anyone with relevant information on her unsolved murder to come forward.
The 25-year-old was last seen at the former Cadillacs nightclub in Bath in the early hours of Sunday, June 9, 1996. Her remains were found by a workman on the side of the M5, at junction 14 near Thornbury, on October 5, 2009, and police have yet to solve the mystery behind her death. Avon and Somerset Police have renewed their public appeal for information, 30 years on from her disappearance, as part of their “Justice for Melanie” campaign.
Melanie Hall was last seen alive in 1996 and her death remains unsolved (Image: Avon and Somerset Police / SWNS)
Melanie spent the evening with her boyfriend and friends before going to the nightclub on Walcot Street. She was last seen sitting alone by the dancefloor at around 1.10am.
Police launched an immediate search, including of the River Avon, after the hospital worker was reported missing in 1996. They also interviewed over 900 clubbers and 1,200 taxi drivers.
In 2003, the force arrested two suspects in connection with her disappearance, but they were released without charge. They also raided several properties in the Bath area, including a pig farm in Inglesbatch.
Then, in 2009, Melanie’s remains were found by a workman on the side of the M5. Police said she had suffered major head injuries and was wrapped in black bin liners, tied with blue rope.
Her remains were found by a workman next to the M5 (Image: Avon & Somerset Police / SWNS)
Melanie was found tied in rope (Image: /)
Her clothing, jewellery and belongings have never been found. These include a pale blue silk dress, black suede mule shoes, a cream single-breasted jacket, a Next watch, silver drop earrings and a black handbag.
The discovery of her remains escalated the missing person case to a full-scale homicide investigation. However, no charges have been made, and police are continuing to investigate what happened to Melanie that night.
The force has launched a renewed campaign, including messages showcased on the digital screen during the match between Bath Rugby and Leicester Tigers on Saturday, June 6.
They will also appear on an advertising van travelling around Bath, and will be further amplified across the city by The Forum, Komedia, Ludo Sports Bar & Kitchen, Walcot House, Bath and North East Somerset Council, Bath libraries and Bath Business Improvement District.
Police said: “The campaign will urge anyone who was in Bath that night – or who knows someone who was – to think back to anything they remember, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem.”
Some of Melanie’s belongings were missing when her body was found (Image: Avon & Somerset Police / SWNS)
‘One of the longest running and highest profile investigations ever carried out’
Lead investigator Detective Chief Inspector Ben Lavender said: “The murder of Melanie Hall is one of the longest-running and highest-profile investigations ever carried out by Avon and Somerset Police, with hundreds of officers working on the case over the years.
“As we approach the 30th anniversary, the ‘Justice for Melanie’ campaign is asking people to think back: Just a minute of your time … to take you back to Saturday 8 June 1996.
“Just a normal night out in Bath … enjoying a few drinks with your friends. Not just another night for Melanie Hall … it was the last confirmed sighting of her alive. Just one small detail or memory … could prove to be a huge breakthrough and solve Melanie’s murder.”
He added: “Melanie’s family have endured unimaginable pain and uncertainty for three decades and have shown extraordinary strength and resilience throughout this time. Everything we do is driven by the need to provide them with the justice and answers they so desperately need.”
The independent charity Crimestoppers is putting up a reward of up to £20,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible for Melanie’s murder.
The campaign urges anyone who remembers details to:
- Call 101 with information for the Operation Denmark team
- Visit an enquiry office – opening times are available on our website
- Contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously via their website or by calling 0800 555111