There are some crimes that do not fade with time. The murder of Melanie Hall is one of them – a case that settled into the background noise of British life and then, every few years, rose back up again asking to be remembered.
On the 30th anniversary of her disappearance, police have launched a new appeal for information which could finally help solve her murder.
The Disappearance
Melanie was 25 when she was last seen in the early hours of Sunday, June 9, 1996, at the former Cadillacs nightclub in Walcot Street, Bath. Her remains were found at the side of the M5 motorway near Thornbury in 2009.
To mark the 30th anniversary, the Justice for Melanie campaign is designed to transport people back to June 1996, during the height of Cool Britannia and Euro 96, to trigger details or memories and encourage people to come forward with information.
On the night Melanie disappeared, England drew 1–1 with Switzerland in their opening Euro '96 match, with Alan Shearer scoring. Bath would have been vibrant and busy. The campaign urges 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.
Last Sighting
Melanie had spent the evening with her boyfriend and friends and went to the former Cadillacs nightclub. The last confirmed sighting of her was at 1.10am on June 9 when her friends left the club. She was sitting by the side of the dancefloor on her own.
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.”
Father's Emotional Appeal
Speaking ahead of the anniversary, Melanie’s father, Steve Hall, said: “You always think in the early days there’s going to be a quick resolution. That’s not been the case but we travel in hope. I hope I live long enough to see a conclusion.”
He said seeing Melanie’s killer in court would not bring closure. “The only closure I’d get is if Melanie walked through that door. I try not to think about reasons why people do these things. I view that person a bit like you would view a wild animal that attacked and killed your daughter. I can’t identify with them as a human being.”
Campaign and Reward
Justice for Melanie features bold, highly visual campaign messages that were 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, all helping encourage people to come forward.
Over the past 30 years, police revisited the case periodically. Then, in 2009, the case shifted. Human remains were discovered by the side of the M5 and were identified as Melanie’s. Her remains were found by a workman on the side of the slipway leading onto the northbound carriageway of the M5 at junction 14, near Thornbury, on October 5, 2009.
She had suffered extensive head injuries and was wrapped in black bin liners tied with blue rope. Her clothing, jewellery, and belongings have never been found, including a pale blue silk dress, black suede mule shoes, cream single-breasted jacket, Next watch, silver drop earrings, and a black handbag.
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.
How to Help
The campaign focuses on encouraging anyone who remembers details to:
- Contact Avon and Somerset Police via the Major Incident Public Portal
- Call 101 with information for the Operation Denmark team
- Visit an inquiry office – opening times are available online
- Contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously via their website or by calling 0800 555111
