By Harry Mottram: It was back in 1996 that RUH employee Melanie Hall disappeared after leaving a nightclub Walcott Street In Bath leading to an appeal after appeal, a three decade police investigation and television programmes hoping to prompt someone’s memory. Melanie was 25 years of age and was last seen in the early hours of Sunday 9 June 1996 at the former Cadillacs nightclub. Her disappearance has created anguish for her family and friends – and was exacerbated when her remains were discovered at the side of the M5 motorway near Thornbury in 2009.
In a Channel 5 documentary in in 1996 there were interviews with Melanie’s father Steve and sister Dominique, as well as Senior Investigating Officer Supt James Riccio. Despite the publicity and the release of a photofit picture of a man seen inside Cadillacs nightclub with a woman matching Melanie’s description the trail went dead. Further appeals were made when finally her remains were found next to the northbound slip road of the M5 at junction 14 (Thornbury) by a workman on 5 October 2009 some 13 years after she vanished.
On Friday 5th June, 2026, Police renewed the appeal for information – as it is felt that someone must know what happened or have a suspicion about somebody who may be able to help solve her disappearance and murder. In the new appeal under the banner of #Justice for Melanie police have published more details about the case but also what was happening at the time which may help to jog someone’s memory.
By Avon and Somerset Police press office: To mark the 30th anniversary of her disappearance, 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 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.
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 Sunday 9 June, 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.”
‘Justice for Melanie’ features bold, highly visual campaign messages that will be showcased on the digital screen during the match between Bath Rugby and Leicester Tigers on Saturday 6 June.
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.
The campaign also includes a new film featuring a clip of the Three Lions anthem ‘Football’s Coming Home’:
Justice for Melanie Hall: Thirty Years On: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCRSIw6N_mE
DCI Lavender continues: “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.”
Melanie’s 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 5 October 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.
The campaign will focus 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 enquiry office – opening times are available on our website
- Contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously via their website or by calling 0800 555111
Bath Voice and Local Democracy Reporters
The journalists are funded by the BBC as part of its latest Charter commitment, but are employed by regional news organisations. A total of 165 reporters are allocated to news organisations in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland including Bath Voice. These organisations range from television and radio stations to online media companies and established regional newspaper groups. Local Democracy Reporters cover top-tier local authorities, second-tier local authorities and other public service organisations.
Bath Voice Monthly Newspaper is distributed free to thousands of homes and some supermarkets – distributed from the first of the month. Harry Mottram is the News Editor
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Harry Mottram is a freelance journalist has his own website with more stories on a variety of subjects at https://www.harrymottram.co.uk/ and has a strong social media presence – check out his work.
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