EXACTLY 20 years to the day that Bradford on Avon woman Melanie Hall disappeared police have made a potentially crucial discovery in the hunt for her murderer.

The 25-year-old vanished during the night of June 8, 1996 after a night out with friends at Cadillacs nightclub in Walcot Street, Bath.

For more than 10 years, no trace of her body was discovered until a workman came across the clerical worker's remains next to the junction 14 northbound slipway of the M5 at Thornbury on October 5, 2009.

But this morning police announced for the first time they have DNA evidence left on an item from the scene where she was found which could finally help answer the questions as to what occurred on that night two decades ago.

Det Supt Andy Bevan is leading the inquiry into the murder of Ms Hall, who lived with her parents Steve and Pat in Bradford Leigh, and will make a new appeal for information.

He made a a live appeal during this morning’s Crimewatch Roadshow programme, due to broadcast on BBC1 from 9.15am.

In addition to their new appeal, the independent charity Crimestoppers is reinstating a reward of up to £10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for her murder.

Det Supt Bevan said: “Melanie’s parents and sister have for the past 20 years been caught up in a living nightmare and my heart goes out to them.

“The discovery of Melanie’s remains in 2009 gave them some answers, but it’s the unanswered questions that continue to haunt them.

“We’re doing everything we can to find these answers for them – most importantly who killed Melanie and why.

“For the first time I’m able to confirm publically that we do have DNA evidence which was left on an item found at the scene where Melanie’s remains were discovered.

“Through new techniques, we’re in the process of developing a DNA profile. There’s no doubt this brings us an important step closer to finding her killer.

“There’s been a great deal of speculation about this case, including the names of suspects potentially linked to this murder.

“We don’t have a prime suspect and we don’t have any conclusive evidence to suggest Melanie’s death is linked to any other murders or sexual offences committed in our Force area, or elsewhere in the country.

“There are however numerous people of interest in this investigation and we’re looking into whether they have any potential link to this horrific crime. I believe the DNA profile we’re developing will assist these enquiries significantly.

“The recent conviction of Christopher Hampton for the 1984 murder of Bath teenager Melanie Road justifies our belief that crimes can be solved no matter how long ago they were committed.

“Christopher Hampton was described as a normal family man. The killer of Melanie Hall could easily be someone who has moved on with their lives. They may have a family and be someone who is respected in their career or local community.

“What they do have is a very dark and terrible secret, which they must fear will one day be revealed.

“With the advancements in DNA, combined with traditional policing methods, I fully believe we’re getting closer to finding that crucial piece of information which will help us solve this case.

“On this significant anniversary, I’d ask the public to think of Melanie’s family and cast their minds back to the key dates and locations which feature in this case and carefully consider whether they can help us.

“Over the years loyalties can change and relationships alter – if you have any suspicions about someone you think may be connected to Melanie’s death, please do the right thing and call us with a name.”

Ms Hall, who was a clerical worker at the Royal United Hospital in Bath, was last seen at 1.10am sitting on a stool at the edge of the dancefloor in Cadillacs nightclub (now ClubXL) in Walcot Street, Bath, following a night out with friends.

This remains the last confirmed sighting of her alive.

You can call the Operation Denmark Incident Room on 0117 952 9788 or alternatively 101 and ask for the Operation Denmark team or crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.