Police have reiterated their appeal for information following the murder of Bath hospital worker Melanie Hall.
Melanie’s parents reinforced the police appeal at a press conference yesterday (Thursday).
Since then around 25 calls have been made to the police incident room with information.
But more is needed.
Meanwhile detailed forensic investigations are still continuing in a bid to establish the precise cause of death and in an attempt to find any additional evidence which can help the enquiry.
Melanie, a 25-year-old hospital worker, was last seen at Cadillacs nightclub in Walcott Street, Bath, at around 01.00hrs on June 9 1996.
Her disappearance led to a major missing persons investigation.
On Monday (October 5), the remains of a body were found in a bin bag among undergrowth off the northbound slip road of Junction 14 of the M5 at Thornbury.
Through dental records and also an antique gold ring with an ivy leaf pattern which was found at the scene, the bones were formally identified as being Melanie.
It would appear that the remains had been at that location for some considerable time.
Detective Superintendent Mike Courtiour, who is leading the murder investigation, said: “The investigation into Melanie’s disappearance has never been closed.
“Finding her body offers us a new and crucial opportunity for anyone who has information to come forward.”
At the press conference, Melanie’s mother Pat said: “Over the last 13 years we have had three things we wanted to know.
“We wanted to know where Melanie was, who was involved in what is now her murder, and why was she murdered.”
While the confirmed discovery of Melanie’s remains has answered the first question, her parents have reinforced the police appeal for help in catching her killer.
Father Steve said: “Thirteen years ago we had a young, vibrant daughter, happy with a future in front of her. Today we have a bag of bones.
“We desperately need to know what happened to Melanie on the night she left the nightclub in Bath.
“People out there may have been protecting someone they suspect was responsible for a missing person.
“Now they are protecting someone responsible for a particularly callous murder and dumping of the body.
“That act has changed of life of Pat, myself and our family. It will never be the same again.
“It is time those people found the moral fibre to come forward and give some assistance to the police and bring this case to a close.
“Finding out what happened to Melanie will bring about some justice and closure.”
Anyone with any information about the enquiry is being urged to contact the incident room, via the main force switchboard on 0845 456 7000.
Alternatively call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. They never ask your name and never trace your call.
Related link: Bones found on M5 slip road (Falfield)
Source: Avon and Somerset Police
