What happened to Melanie Hall? Channel 5 documentary Body in the Bag explores murder of woman in Bath

A new documentary on Channel 5 is exploring the unsolved murder of Melanie Hall in Bath nearly 30 years ago.

In the programme, titled Body in the Bag, the father of the university graduate spoke of the devastating impact her death had upon their family.

Steve Hall said: “When Melanie was murdered, it wasn’t just one person’s life that was taken, it changed and ruined many lives after.

“Mine, my wife’s, my daughter’s, my mother’s – there’s obviously someone out there, and probably some people out there, who know what happened to Melanie.”

What happened to Melanie Hall?

Melanie Hall was last seen at Cadillacs nightclub on Walcot Street in Bath in the early hours of 9 June 1996, following a night out with friends.

The final sighting of the 25-year-old hospital clerical worker was when she was sitting on a stool at the edge of the nightclub’s dancefloor at about 1.45am.

Her remains were not found until 5 October 2009, when workmen made the discovery next to the northbound slip road at junction 14 of the M5 motorway.

Miss Hall’s clothing – a pale blue silk dress, black suede mule shoes, a cream single-breasted long-sleeved jacket and a black satchel-type handbag – have never been found.

Cosmetics and a Midland chequebook and bank card belonging to Miss Hall, as well as items of jewellery including a Next watch and silver drop earrings, have also not been located.

Detective Superintendent James Riccio, who is leading the investigation into Miss Hall’s murder, said he hoped the new documentary will trigger memories and prick consciences.

He encouraged those with information to contact the police, explaining that “just one small piece of information could solve this case and help us uncover the truth”.

Det Supt Riccio explained that after reviewing a large quantity of evidence, he was “of the belief that Melanie did know her killer”.

He added: “An e-fit (included below) was released as part of a public appeal back in 1996 of a man seen inside Cadillacs nightclub with a woman matching Melanie’s description.

“This is still very much a focus of our appeal to the public today and we want to know who this man is.”

Officers are also seeking “information about an unconfirmed sighting of a woman, potentially matching Melanie’s description, who was engaged in an argument with a man in Old Orchard, around the corner from the nightclub entrance, between 1.45am and 2am”.

Det Supt Riccio concluded: “Someone knows who killed Melanie and someone knows how she ended up at the side of the M5 at junction 14, and these dark secrets need to be brought into the light.

“We have a number of enquiries we’re pursuing. It’s very much an active case, and there may be more related operational activity in the near future.”

You can see the full list of key appeal points provided by Avon and Somerset Police here.

What can you expect from Body in the Bag?

Body in the Bag: The Murder of Melanie Hall features interviews with the victim’s father Steve and sister Dominique, as well as police.

Mr Hall tells the programme: “When Melanie was murdered, it wasn’t just one person’s life that was taken, it changed and ruined many lives after.

“Mine, my wife’s, my daughter’s, my mother’s – there’s obviously someone out there, and probably some people out there, who know what happened to Melanie.”

He added: “We’re different people now. That night when she disappeared, we changed – we are not the people we were before.

“We carry a deep sorrow, a deep grief. We’ve lost something very beautiful and very precious to us that we can’t replace… it’s a family with a piece missing.”

Miss Hall’s sister Dominique added: “I would hope that somebody might think about my mum and dad, they are both nearly 80 now, that someone might find some little drop of compassion or empathy for my mum and dad… and think now would be the time to let them know and have the answers that they need.”

The Body In The Bag: The Murder Of Melanie Hall is on Channel 5 on Thursday September 28 at 9pm.