Melanie Hall murder suspect released without charge

Melanie Hall was last seen alive in Bath in 1996 but her remains were not found until 2009

A man arrested over the murder of a young woman 20 years ago has been released without charge.

Melanie Hall, 25, was last seen alive at a nightclub in Bath city centre in June 1996 but her body was not found until 2009.

The 45-year-old arrested man had voluntarily attended a Wiltshire police station in June.

His arrest followed a national appeal for information on the 20th anniversary of Miss Hall's disappearance.

Miss Hall, who was a clerical worker at the Royal United Hospital in Bath, was last seen alive at the former Cadillacs nightclub on 9 June 1996.

A black bin liner containing her bones and skull was found by a workman clearing vegetation next to a slip-road at junction 14 of the M5, near Thornbury in Gloucestershire, on 5 October 2009.

Several arrests have been made since she disappeared but nobody has ever been charged.

'Ever closer'

A spokesman for Avon and Somerset Police said: "We've spent a significant amount of time thoroughly examining the information given to us and we've concluded it doesn't take us any further with our enquiries."

Senior investigating officer Det Supt Andy Bevan added: "We've updated Melanie's parents, Steve and Pat, on this latest development and have reiterated our determination to bring their daughter's murderer to justice.

"I firmly believe we're getting ever closer to finding out who was responsible, especially with the advancements in DNA technology.

"I have a team of officers and staff actively working on this case and I'm extremely grateful to the public, especially the residents of Bath, for their continuing support and their response to all our previous appeals.

"It's never too late to come forward and speak to us.

"Even the smallest piece of information may prove to be the key to solving this case."