Melanie Hall was last seen in a nightclub just hours after England’s opening game of Euro 96 and detectives probing her murder hope memories of that night might jog people’s memories
Alan Shearer’s opening goal of Euro 96 could help solve a 30 year murder cold case, police believe.
Melanie Hall, 25, was last seen at Cadillacs nightclub in Bath in the early hours of June 9, 1996 – just hours after Shearer scored against Switzerland. Her boyfriend had left her dancing at Cadillacs nightclub in Bath, Somerset, where they were on a night out with pals.
A missing persons inquiry was launched when she failed to turn up for work at a hospital the next day. But tragically her remains were found 13 years later beside a motorway, with a fractured skull.
Detectives have now launched a Justice for Melanie campaign to try to trigger memories of the night she vanished, which they say came at the height of Cool Britannia and the iconic football tournament.
Avon and Somerset Police have released a film featuring a clip of the “football’s coming home” anthem Three Lions. It will be broadcast around Bath and at a rugby match on Saturday night in a bid to jog people’s memories.
Cops specifically ask anyone who was in Bath that night to think about where they were when England drew 1-1 with Switzerland in their opening Euro 96 match and come forward with information. Crimestoppers has also put up a £20,000 reward.
Detective Chief Inspector Ben Lavender said: “The murder of Melanie Hall is one of the longest running and highest profile investigations ever carried out by Avon and Somerset Police, with hundreds of officers working on the case over the years.
“As we approach the 30th anniversary, the ‘Justice for Melanie’ campaign is asking people to think back: Just a minute of your time. to take you back to Saturday 8 June 1996.
“Just a normal night out in Bath, enjoying a few drinks with your friends. Not just another night for Melanie Hall, it was the last confirmed sighting of her alive. Just one small detail or memory could prove to be a huge breakthrough and solve Melanie’s murder.”
Melanie’s remains were found by a workman on the side of the slipway leading onto the northbound carriageway of the M5 at Junction 14, near Thornbury, on October 5, 2009.
She had suffered extensive head injuries and was wrapped in black bin liners, tied with blue rope. Her clothing, jewellery and belongings have never been found, including a pale blue silk dress, black suede mule shoes, cream single-breasted jacket, Next watch, silver drop earrings and a black handbag.
Her dad Steve, now 82, said: “You always think in the early days there will be a quick resolution for what has happened, but that’s not been the case. I hope I live long enough to see a conclusion.”