Melanie Hall M5 murder inquiry: Man from Bath arrested

Melanie Hall was last seen leaving Cadillacs nightclub in Bath in 1996

A man has been arrested on suspicion of the murder of Melanie Hall whose remains were found near the M5 in 2009.

The 44-year-old was arrested at his Bath home last week as part of the investigation into the death of the 25-year-old Bath hospital clerical worker.

Detectives also searched a property in Roundhill Park, Whiteway. It is understood to be a house where the man previously lived.

Miss Hall was last seen alive leaving Cadillacs nightclub in Bath in 1996.

Her body was found next to a motorway slip road on 5 October 2009.

'New information'

A spokesman for Avon and Somerset Police confirmed the arrest and said the man had been released on bail until 19 December.

He said the man had not been previously arrested as part of the inquiry.

The spokesman added Miss Hall's parents Steve and Pat Hall had been informed and kept up to date of the developments.

Last month detectives said they had found a car which they described as a "significant line of inquiry".

Police said the white Volkswagen Golf they had traced "may be relevant".

Officers also said they had received "significant information" about a blue rope used to tie up Miss Hall's body.

The Avon and Somerset Police spokesman said last week's arrest was as a direct result of the new information, but could not elaborate further for operational reasons.