Cops tipped off about suspects in cold case murder of Melanie Hall after fresh appeal
The university graduate disappeared after a night out and her killer has never been found
POLICE investigating the murder of Melanie Hall 20 years ago have been handed the names of potential suspects.
University graduate Melanie disappeared after a night out and her killer has never been found.
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But after finding crucial DNA evidence police launched a fresh appeal for witnesses and have been handed new tip offs.
Det Supt Andy Bevan appeared on Crimewatch on the 20th anniversary of Melanie's disappearance and said more than twenty new calls had come in.
He said: “We have officers and staff following up on information we've received following the Crimewatch Roadshow appeal yesterday.
"Some of the calls provided names of potential suspects, some related to the outstanding items of Melanie's property which have never been found and others were reporting suspicious activity around the motorway slipway where Melanie's remains were found.
"We're extremely grateful to everyone who has responded so far but we still need more information from the public.”
Clerical worker Melanie was last seen in the early hours sitting on a stool on the edge of the dance floor at Cadillacs nightclub in Bath on June 9 1996.
Her remains were found by a workman 13 years after she went missing and police have now confirmed DNA evidence has been discovered at the same spot.
Mr Bevan added: “I firmly believe someone out there knows who killed Melanie and now is the time for them to come forward to bring some relief to her family, who've been through 20 years of heartache.
"Yesterday we confirmed we do have DNA evidence from an item found at the site where Melanie's remains were discovered. We're working with forensic scientists to develop this into a DNA profile. I believe this brings us a significant step closer to finding Melanie's killer."
There have been nine arrests in connection with her death but no one has ever been charged.
Her death has chilling similarities to that of Melanie Road who was also murdered on June 9 leaving nightclubs in Bath.
Christopher Hampton was handed a life sentence for the 1984 murder of Miss Road who he raped and knifed to death.
Mr Bevan said the recent conviction of Hampton "justifies our belief that crimes can be solved no matter how long ago they were committed".
But Mr Bevan stressed: “We don't have a prime suspect and we don't have any conclusive evidence to suggest Melanie's death is linked to any other murders or sexual offences committed in our force area, or elsewhere in the country.”
Miss Hall was killed on the night England drew 1-1 with Switzerland in the opening game of the football Euro 96 Championships.
Her clothing and belongings – including a pale silk dress with a round neck, black suede mule shoes with straps across the front and an open toe and a satchel-type handbag – have never been found.
There is a reward of up to £10,000 being offered by the independent charity Crimestoppers for information leading to an arrest and conviction.
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