Man held over student's suspected murder 14 years on

A MAN was arrested yesterday in connection with the suspected murder of a young graduate who vanished 14 years ago.

Melanie Hall went missing following a night out in Bath in June 1996. Her remains were discovered at the side of the M5 motorway last October.

Avon and Somerset Police said a 38-year-old man is being held and will be interviewed in connection with her murder and the disposal of her body. The man, from Bath, was arrested after turning himself in to the police station in Manvers Street, Bath.

Detective Superintendent Mike Courtiour, leading the murder inquiry, said: "This is obviously a significant development after 14 years but I must stress that our investigation is still very much ongoing.

"Melanie's parents, Pat and Steve Hall, are always kept informed and are aware that we have made an arrest.

"This is part of the investigation that has been going on now for eight months since Melanie's body was discovered.

"In that time the investigation team has continued to work tirelessly, following up new information we have received and revisiting the previous investigations that followed Melanie's disappearance from Walcot Street in June 1996.

"An additional 250 statements have been taken and 1,200 new tasks and investigative actions have been completed. Today's arrest was one such action.

"I again urge anyone with information to come forward and provide us with the information and evidence we need to identify Melanie's killer or killers and bring them to justice."