Horror as woman found dead tied with blue rope on side of major UK motorway | UK | News
Melanie Hall was last seen in a nightclub before she was found dead on the highway (Image: Avon and Somerset Police / SWNS)
A woman was found dead, wrapped in black garbage bags and tied with blue rope, on the side of a major motorway in England. Police have launched a new appeal for information on the 30th anniversary of Melanie Hall’s disappearance and are urging anyone with information about her unsolved murder to come forward.
The 25-year-old man was last seen at the former Cadillacs nightclub in Bath in the early hours of Sunday, June 9, 1996. Their bodies were found by a worker on the side of the M5 motorway at junction 14, near Thornbury, on October 5, 2009, and police are yet to solve the mystery behind her death. Avon and Somerset Police have renewed their appeal for public information as part of their “Justice for Melanie” campaign, 30 years after her disappearance.
Melanie Hall was last seen alive in 1996 and her death remains unsolved (Image: Avon and Somerset Police / SWNS)
Melanie spent the evening with her boyfriend and friends before heading to the nightclub on Walcot Street. He was last seen sitting alone on the dance floor around 1.10am.
After the hospital worker was reported missing in 1996, police immediately launched a search, including the River Avon. They also interviewed over 900 clubbers and 1,200 taxi drivers.
In 2003, police arrested two suspects in connection with her disappearance, but they were released without charge. They also raided several properties, including a pig farm in Inglesbatch in the Bath area.
Later in 2009, Melanie’s remains were found by a worker on the side of the M5. Police said the woman suffered serious head injuries and was wrapped in black garbage bags and tied with blue rope.
His remains were found by a worker next to the M5 (Image: Avon and Somerset Police / SWNS)
Melanie was found tied to a rope (Image: /)
Her clothes, jewelry and belongings were never found. These include a pale blue silk dress, black suede mule shoes, a cream single-breasted jacket, a Next watch, silver drop earrings, and a black purse.
The discovery of his remains turned the missing person case into a full-blown murder investigation. However, no charges were laid and police continue to investigate what happened to Melanie that night.
The Force has launched a revamped campaign featuring messages displayed on a digital screen during the match between Bath Rugby and Leicester Tigers on Saturday 6 June.
They will also appear in an advertising van traveling 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.
Police said: “The campaign will encourage anyone who was in Bath that night, or anyone who knows they were, to think back to anything they remember, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem.”
Some of Melanie’s belongings were missing when her body was found (Image: Avon and Somerset Police / SWNS)
‘One of the longest-running and highest-profile investigations ever conducted’
Detective Chief Inspector Ben Lavender, lead investigator, said: “The murder of Melanie Hall is one of the longest-running and highest-profile investigations ever undertaken by Avon and Somerset Police and hundreds of officers have worked on the case over the years.
“As we approach its 30th anniversary, the ‘Justice for Melanie’ campaign asks people to look back: Just take a moment… to take you back to Saturday, June 8, 1996.
“An ordinary night in Bath… enjoying a few drinks with friends. No ordinary night for Melanie Hall… this was the last night she was confirmed to be seen alive. Just one small detail or memory… could go a long way and solve Melanie’s murder.”
He added: “Melanie’s family has endured unimaginable pain and uncertainty for three decades and shown extraordinary strength and resilience throughout. Everything we do is driven by the need to provide them with the justice and answers they desperately need.”
Independent charity Crimestoppers is offering a reward of up to £20,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for Melanie’s murder.
The campaign encourages anyone who remembers the details to:
- Call 101 to pass on information to the Operation Denmark team
- Visit an advice office – opening hours are available on our website
- Contact independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously via their website or by calling 0800 555111.
