Melanie Hall: DNA evidence discovered in murder probe
'There's no doubt this brings us an important step closer to finding her killer'
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Detectives have said they are “one important step” closer to finding the killer of Melanie Hall after DNA evidence on an item found near her remains was discovered using new techniques.
Miss Hall, a clerical worker at the Royal United Hospital in Bath, was last seen at 1:10am on 9 June 1996, at the town’s Cadillacs nightclub.
The 25-year-old’s remains were found by a workman in a bag next to a slip-road at junction 14 of the M5, near Thornbury, South Gloucestershire on 5 October 2009.
The DNA evidence was revealed on the 20th anniversary of Miss Hall's disappearance with detectives saying it could assist the investigation “significantly”.
Superintendent Andy Bevan, of Avon and Somerset Police, said: "For the first time I'm able to confirm publicly that we do have DNA evidence which was left on an item found at the scene where Melanie's remains were discovered.
"Through new techniques, we're in the process of developing a DNA profile. There's no doubt this brings us an important step closer to finding her killer."
Nine people have been arrested in connection with the case since the investigation began but no-one has been charged.
Police do not have a prime suspect or any “conclusive evidence” Miss Hall’s death is linked to other murders or sexual offences.
Miss Hall’s clothing and belongings have never been found, including her pale silk dress, black suede mule shoes, a cream jacket and handbag.
Her parents, Steve and Pat Hall, said their lives have been “totally altered” by Miss Hall’s death. Mr Hall said his family felt a “responsibility” to find his daughter’s killer on her behalf and bring them to justice.
"What they don't appreciate is there's not just one victim in this situation, there are a number of victims,” said Mr Hall.
"There's my wife and myself, my daughter, 97-year-old mother - my mother. Our lives have been totally altered and they can't be put back together completely.
"We would simply say, this is what someone has done to us, please see fit to let us know what happened to Melanie and who was responsible.
"It is the last act that we can carry out for her.”
Crime stoppers is reinstating a reward of up to £10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the murder.
The Operation Denmark Incident Room can be called on 0117 952 9788, while Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555111.
Additional reporting by Press Association