New focus as police hunt for Melanie’s murderer
POLICE have reissued an appeal over the murder of Melanie Hall – asking the public if they recognise a man she was possibly seen talking to.
Hospital worker Melanie, 25, was last seen in the early hours of June 9, 1996, at Cadillacs – a nightclub in Bath.
Her remains were found 13 years later by a workman at the side of the M5 motorway, around 25 miles away.
The murder investigation remains unsolved and police have now renewed their efforts to piece together Melanie’s disappearance.
Her parents and Crimestoppers have also reinstated a combined £60,000 reward for anyone who has information which leads to an arrest and conviction.
Detectives are asking the public to think back to the date she went missing, with a particular focus on an unconfirmed sighting of an argument outside the club.
Witnesses say they saw a woman who looked liked Melanie in disagreement with a man between 1.45am and 2am.
Police have also rereleased an e-fit to identify a man who two people said they saw with a woman matching her description inside the nightspot.
Detective Superintendent James Riccio, of Avon and Somerset Constabulary, is the senior investigating officer in the case.
He said: “It’s been over 24 years since Melanie went missing from a Bath nightclub and 11 years since her remains were found at the side of the northbound slipway at junction 14 of the M5 in South Gloucestershire, but we remain as determined as ever to find out who killed her and why.
“We have a number of active lines of enquiry we’re pursuing, including reviewing a vast amount of material gathered during what’s been one of the biggest investigations ever carried out by Avon and Somerset Police.
“An e-fit was released as part of a public appeal in 1996 of a man seen inside Cadillacs nightclub with a woman matching Melanie’s description – we’d still like to hear from anyone who recognises the man in the image, or thinks they know who it is.
“In addition, we’d like information about an unconfirmed sighting of a woman potentially matching Melanie’s description who was engaged in an argument with a man in Old Orchard, around the corner from the nightclub entrance between 1.45am and 2am.
“We don’t know whether this was Melanie, so if anyone has further details which could help on this aspect, please call us.”
The man is described as being a white 27-year-old, 5ft 10ins, of medium build with dark brown hair, dark brown eyes, bushy eyebrows and clean shaven.
He was said to be wearing black trousers, black shoes and a brown silk shirt, and it’s possible he had a gold hooped earring in his right ear and wore a flashy gold watch.
Police have also added a number of points to their public appeal that they would like people to get in touch about if they have relevant information.
A spokesperson said: “Were you involved in the aftermath of this crime in any way?
“Maybe you assisted with the deposition of Melanie’s body but were not involved in the murder. We want to hear from you now.
“Or 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, June 9, 1996 or the days immediately afterwards?
“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.”
The force also want to talk to anyone concerned about the change in behaviour of a friend or relative, or anyone showing a particular interest in this inquiry.
The spokesperon said: “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 contact police with information via 101.
A £50,000 reward for information provided to the police which leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible for Melanie’s murder has been reinstated by her parents as the appeal is relaunched.
The independent charity Crimestoppers is also offering a reward of up to £10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the crime.
You will only qualify for this reward if the information is passed to Crimestoppers direct.